The Blockade-Runner Denbigh and the Union Navy

Brief Summary

The Blockade-Runner Denbigh and the Union Navy by J. Barto Arnold III offers an in-depth examination of the Civil War era through the lens of the Union navy's blockade strategy and the blockade-runners that challenged it. This book, the seventh in the Denbigh Shipwreck Project series, offers detailed insights into the activities of the West Gulf Blockading Squadron and the notorious Confederate blockade-runner, Denbigh. With sections covering historical analysis, memoirs from Union naval officers, official reports, and prize case documents, the book presents a comprehensive look at the interactions between the Union blockade and the Confederate efforts to evade it.

Main Themes and Topics

The book primarily focuses on the theme of naval warfare during the Civil War, emphasizing the strategic "cat and mouse" game played between the Union navy and the Confederate blockade-runners. It delves into the intricacies of prize law and how it influenced the behavior of both Union and Confederate forces. The author highlights the significant role of the Denbigh, a quick and infamous blockade-runner, and how it contributed to the supply chain of the Confederacy, as well as the difficulties faced by the Union navy in intercepting these vital operations.

Writing Style and Tone

J. Barto Arnold III employs a detailed and scholarly writing style, which is well-suited for readers with an interest in naval history and nautical archaeology. The tone is analytical and informative, with a strong emphasis on factual evidence supported by archival documents, memoirs, and official reports. The narrative does not merely tell the story of the Denbigh but sets it against a broader historical context, providing readers with a full understanding of the blockade-running operations during the Civil War.