Conrad Elroy, Powder Monkey: The Role of the Navy in the Civil War - Hardcover

Alvin Robert Cunningham

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0756945747 ISBN 13: 9780756945749

Publisher: Perfection Learning, 2004

Synopsis

The book begins with an introduction to the Civil War- its causes, the two sides, and the conflict that led to the bloodiest war in America's history. The historical fiction chapters tell the story of Conrad Elroy, a 13-year-old powder monkey for the Union navy. Conrad is aboard the U.S.S. Hartford as it prepares for the Battle of Mobile Bay. It is Conrad's job to supply his gun crew with gunpowder. During the battle, another powder monkey drops his powder cartridge. In order to save the ship from a powerful explosion, Conrad picks up the flaming cartridge and hurls it into the sea. For this act of bravery, Conrad is awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. The medal, however, is no comfort to Conrad, who lost a friend in the battle. The book's nonfiction chapters detail the role of the navy in the Civil War- the Northern blockade, the Southern blockade-runners, the Confederate commerce raiders, the ironclads, and the Confederate submarines and torpedoes. It also describes the life of a powder monkey and the role these young soldiers played in the war.

About this title

About the Author

Alvin Robert Cunningham is a retired educator of 34 years. He taught American History at Henry High School in Henry, Illinois and Social Studies in the Ottawa Elementary Schools in Ottawa, Illinois. Mr. Cunningham enjoys reading, expecially about American history in the 19th century. He and his wife enjoy living at their new home in Streator, Illinois.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

"Kneel down and grab those bibles, powder monkeys," barked the master-at-arms. "This gun deck needs to be holystoned again!" Conrad Elroy studied the man's red face and the bulging vein in his neck. "We've been coaling up since morning, and this ship's mighty dirty." Conrad watched him walk to the rail and point toward shore. "That's Mobile Bay," he said, turning and looking down at the boys. "Maybe tomorrow, this fleet will sail in and take it from the Rebs!" Conrad heard some clapping and cheers for the Union. "All you boys have the honor of serving on the U.S.S. Hartford, the flagship of Admiral Farragut," he said. "You'll want to sail into battle with your colors flying above a clean ship. So let's get scrubbing!" Conrad Elroy felt sick. He was fed up with that man ordering him around. And he was tired of doing servant's work for the past two months. He stared at the bucket of hot water that he'd carried up from the engine room's boiler. His sore, callused hands poured some on the wooden deck. The coal dust changed to an inky liquid. Then he picked up the Bible-sized chunk of sandstone with both hands. Reluctantly, he joined the other boys. His body rocked back and forth in the familiar scrubbing rhythm. Disturbing memories whirled in his head.

Edition details

• Publisher: Perfection Learning
• Publication date: 2004
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0756945747
• ISBN 13: 9780756945749
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 48