The Capture of New Orleans 1862 - Softcover

Hearn, Chester G.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0807130702 ISBN 13: 9780807130704

Publisher: LSU Press, 2005

Synopsis

On April 24, 1862, Federal gunboats made their way past two Confederate forts to ascend the Mississippi River, and the Union navy captured New Orleans. News of the loss of the Crescent City came to Jefferson Davis as an absolute shock. In this exhaustive study, Chester G. Hearn examines the decisions, actions, individuals, and events to explain why. He directs his inquiry to the heart of government, both Union and Confederate, and takes a hard look at the selection of military and naval leaders, the use of natural and financial resources, and the performances of all personnel involved. His vivid, fast-paced narrative provides fascinating reading, as well as penetrating insight into this crucial campaign.

About this title

Review:

The North did not fare so well in the early stages of the Civil War. One year after the fall of Fort Sumter, however, Admiral David Glasgow Farragut provided a significant victory by seizing the vital Southern city of New Orleans. Chester G. Hearn blames the Confederacy's political leadership for the catastrophe, but also points to Farragut's bravado. Jefferson Davis was shocked to learn of the event, even though the Union specifically targeted the city and devoted substantial resources to its capture. With more than 40 maps and illustrations, The Capture of New Orleans, 1862 describes an underappreciated factor in the North's eventual triumph.

About the Author:

Chester G. Hearn is the author of nineteen books, including Ellet's Brigade: The Strangest Outfit of All and Six Years of Hell: Harpers Ferry during the Civil War. He lives in Erie, Pennsylvania.

About this edition

• Publisher: LSU Press
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 0807130702
• ISBN 13: 9780807130704
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 312