Running the Blockade A Personal Narrative of Adventures, Risks, and Escapes During the American Civil War

In this vivid first‑person account a teenage sailor finds himself at the heart of the Union’s coastal blockade during the Civil War. He describes daring night passages through treacherous shoals, clever disguises, and the tense moments when a single cannon shot could spell disaster. The narrative captures the mixture of youthful audacity and meticulous planning that defined his many successful runs.

Beyond the thrills of escape, the memoir offers a rare glimpse into the daily grind of blockade warfare—long watches, cramped holds, and the constant threat of discovery by vigilant Union gunboats. His observations illuminate how commercial blockade shaped the conflict, providing valuable lessons for anyone interested in naval strategy. Listeners will come away with both the pulse‑pounding excitement of a sea adventure and a deeper appreciation for the hidden mechanisms that powered the war at sea.