Jim Stempel

Albemarle Jim Stempel

"The destruction of the rebel ram Albemarle by Lieut. Cushing proves to be one of the most daring and romantic naval feats of history" A truly remarkable account of a heroic action during the Civil War. A fascinating read. In the early winter months of 1864 Confederate General Robert E Lee devised a plan to retake critical areas of eastern North Carolina then occupied by the Federal Army. If successful a new supply line would be established to Richmond, and the Southern war effort greatly bolstered as a result. Central to his plan was the use of the new rebel ironclad Albemarle then nearing completion on the Roanoke River. The CCS Albemarle was considered to be a formidable weapon by all concerned and its destruction soon became a high priority of the Lincoln administration. So successful would the Albemarle prove to be against the blockading squadron, however , that in utter desperation the Federal high command ultimately turned to a twenty one year old lieutenant who had demonstrated daring and success on the rivers of Virginia and North Carolina. The mission to destroy the Albemarle, nevertheless, was a high stakes gamble of the most desperate and heroic variety. Its remarkable success became a bitter disaster for the Confederacy, a much needed boost for Abraham Lincoln and catapulted Lt William Barker Cushing in legend. Highly entertaining, well researched and original in thought. It has the makings of a classic