The Naval History of the United States. Volume 2

The Story

This volume chronicles the United States Navy’s pivotal role in shaping the nation’s history through a series of naval conflicts and developments spanning the early 19th century through the late 1800s. It opens with vivid accounts of naval engagements during the War of 1812, a conflict that tested the fledgling American navy against the dominant British Royal Navy. The narrative follows Captain David Porter and his crew aboard the USS Essex as they embark on a daring cruise into the Pacific, capturing British whalers and engaging in battles far from home waters. Meanwhile, closer to American shores, smaller but no less gallant engagements unfold along the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic coast, where American gunboats and cutters face British frigates in fierce, often desperate combat.

The book details the capture of the American cutter Surveyor by the British frigate Narcissus, highlighting the courage of a small crew defending against overwhelming odds. It then moves to the Chesapeake Bay operations, where American forces, including Commodore Barney’s flotilla, attempt to break British blockades and defend strategic waterways. The narrative describes the intense and bloody naval battle involving the American frigate Saratoga and British vessels Confiance and Linnet, emphasizing the heavy casualties and the tactical significance of the engagement.

Transitioning to the Mexican-American War, the text explores the naval dimension of this conflict, noting early American naval actions in the Pacific and the strategic importance of California. Captain Thomas Ap-Catesby Jones’s premature but consequential occupation of Monterey in 1842 foreshadows the coming war. The volume also touches on American naval involvement in international incidents, such as Captain Josiah Tatnall’s controversial aid to British and French forces against Chinese forts, illustrating the complex interplay of diplomacy and military action.

The narrative then shifts to the American Civil War, focusing on the river gunboats and the naval battles that shaped the conflict’s outcome. It recounts the exploits of Confederate raiders like the CSS Sumter and CSS Alabama, whose daring cruises disrupted Union commerce across the tropics and the Gulf of Mexico. The Alabama’s capture of the mail steamer Ariel, carrying hundreds of passengers and military personnel, underscores the high stakes and human drama of naval warfare. The volume also describes the Union’s naval operations supporting land campaigns, such as the bombardment and siege of Charleston, where innovative naval technology and persistent blockades gradually erode Confederate strongholds.

The book provides detailed descriptions of the ironclad warship Merrimac (CSS Virginia), its design flaws, and its role in the early naval battles of the Civil War. It recounts the challenges faced by Union gunboats navigating rivers under fire from Confederate sharpshooters and artillery, highlighting the deadly nature of riverine warfare. The narrative captures the intensity of battles like Belmont, where naval firepower turned the tide for Union forces retreating under pressure.

Later chapters cover the evolution of the U.S. Navy’s training systems, emphasizing the shift from reliance on foreign-born sailors to the establishment of American-born apprentice programs. This institutional development reflects broader themes of national identity and professionalization within the navy.

The volume culminates with the Spanish-American War, focusing on the sinking of the USS Maine in Havana harbor—a tragic event that precipitates American intervention in Cuba. The text vividly describes the tense atmosphere aboard the Maine before the explosion, the hostile environment in Havana, and the subsequent naval engagements that lead to the decisive defeat of the Spanish fleet. The capture of the Cristobal Colon and the celebrations aboard American ships underscore the navy’s instrumental role in securing victory and expanding American influence overseas.

Throughout, the narrative weaves together detailed battle descriptions, strategic analyses, and personal accounts, providing a comprehensive view of the navy’s evolution from a modest coastal force to a formidable instrument of national power. The story closes with reflections on the navy’s future, its training programs, and the enduring significance of its past achievements.

The People

• Captain David Porter: A daring and resourceful naval officer who commands the USS Essex on a bold Pacific cruise during the War of 1812. His leadership drives American naval success far from home, though he faces challenges from both enemy forces and the vastness of the ocean. Porter’s actions exemplify American naval audacity and strategic reach.

• Captain William Lee: A midshipman aboard the British frigate Confiance during a fierce battle with the American Saratoga. He survives a brutal fight marked by heavy casualties and personal peril, his vivid descriptions conveying the horrors and valor of naval combat.

• Captain Josiah Tatnall: An American naval officer who, despite official neutrality, aids British and French forces during hostilities with Chinese forts. His famous declaration, “Blood is thicker than water,” reveals his complex loyalties and the blurred lines between diplomacy and warfare in international waters.

• Captain Raphael Semmes: Commander of the Confederate raider CSS Sumter and later the CSS Alabama. Semmes is cunning and bold, orchestrating successful commerce raiding campaigns that disrupt Union shipping. His exploits highlight the asymmetric naval warfare of the Civil War.

• Commodore John Rodgers Barney: Leader of the American river flotilla defending Chesapeake Bay during the War of 1812. His determination to break British blockades and protect American waterways demonstrates the strategic importance of inland naval operations.

• Captain Philip of the USS Texas: A Union naval officer during the Spanish-American War who leads his crew in the near bloodless capture of the Spanish fleet’s last ship, the Cristobal Colon. His public acknowledgment of faith and leadership during victory reflects the morale and spirit of the navy at war’s end.

In Its Own Voice

The book’s vivid descriptions bring the naval battles and personalities to life:

“Your gallant and desperate attempt to defend...” — a British commander’s letter to the American captain of the Surveyor, acknowledging the fierce resistance despite eventual capture.

Midshipman William Lee’s harrowing account of battle: > “The havoc on both sides was dreadful. I don't think there are more than five of our men, out of three hundred, but what are killed or wounded. Never was a shower of hail so thick as the shot whistling about our ears.”

Captain Josiah Tatnall’s defiant exclamation during the Chinese conflict: > “Blood is thicker than water!” — expressing his choice to aid British allies despite American neutrality.

Captain Semmes’s reflection on his escape from blockade: > “I do think, however, that a tough old quarter-master, and a grizzled boatswain's mate, who had clean shaven their heads in preparation for a desperate fight, were mig...” — illustrating the tension and readiness aboard the CSS Sumter.

The celebratory moment after the Spanish fleet’s surrender: > “Commodore Schley, coming alongside the 'Texas' from the 'Cristobal Colon' in his gig, called out cheerily, 'It was a nice fight, Jack, wasn't it?'” — capturing the camaraderie and relief after victory.

What It's Really About

At its core, this volume is an exploration of the United States Navy’s transformation from a modest coastal defense force into a symbol and instrument of national sovereignty and expansion. It examines how naval power intersects with American identity, diplomacy, and technological innovation across multiple conflicts.

The book reveals the tension between tradition and modernization, as seen in the transition from wooden sailing ships to ironclads and steam-powered vessels. The detailed accounts of ship design, armament, and mechanical shortcomings underscore the challenges of adapting to new technologies under the pressures of war.

Another central theme is the interplay of courage, leadership, and sacrifice. The narrative honors individual valor—whether in small cutter actions or grand fleet battles—while also acknowledging the brutal realities of naval warfare, including heavy casualties and the psychological toll on sailors.

The volume also probes the complexities of neutrality and international relations. Captain Tatnall’s breach of neutrality during the Chinese conflict exemplifies the sometimes ambiguous role of naval officers caught between national policy and personal loyalties. Similarly, the diplomatic tensions leading to the Spanish-American War highlight how naval presence and incidents at sea can escalate into full-scale conflict.

The book further addresses the strategic importance of naval control over commerce and territory. The Confederate raiders’ disruption of Union shipping during the Civil War illustrates the impact of naval warfare beyond direct battles, affecting economies and morale. The blockade of Southern ports and the sieges of key cities like Charleston demonstrate the navy’s role in shaping the war’s outcome.

Finally, the narrative touches on the institutional growth of the navy, particularly the development of training programs aimed at fostering a professional, American-born naval force. This reflects broader questions about national identity, citizenship, and the professionalization of military service.

Why Read It Today

This volume offers readers a richly detailed and immersive account of American naval history during formative conflicts that shaped the nation’s trajectory. It will appeal to those interested in military history, maritime strategy, and the evolution of technology in warfare. The book’s strength lies in its combination of strategic overview, vivid battle descriptions, and personal narratives that bring the human dimension of naval warfare into sharp relief.

Reading it today provides insight into how naval power influenced American diplomacy and expansion, themes still relevant in understanding the country’s global role. The detailed recounting of battles and ship design offers a window into 19th-century naval warfare’s complexity and brutality, far beyond simple tales of heroism.

However, readers should be prepared for the book’s period style and length, which may feel dense or formal compared to modern histories. The language reflects its time, and some attitudes—particularly regarding race, nationality, and imperialism—mirror 19th-century perspectives that require critical awareness. The narrative occasionally assumes familiarity with naval terminology and historical context, which may challenge casual readers.

Despite these challenges, the book’s thoroughness and warmth in portraying the sailors’ experiences make it a valuable resource. It captures the spirit of an era when the United States was defining itself on the world stage through its navy’s trials and triumphs. The vivid personal accounts and detailed descriptions linger, offering a nuanced understanding of the sacrifices and innovations that forged American naval power.