On The Blockade

Set against the thunderous backdrop of the Civil War’s naval blockade, this tale follows a young Union lieutenant thrust onto the modest steamer Bronx. As the Union’s ironclads chase the elusive Confederate supply lines along the Southern coast, the story captures the clang of cannon fire and the restless tide of history. The narrative’s opening places the reader squarely in the cramped captain’s cabin, where ambition and duty begin to clash.

Christy Passford, freshly promoted and still mourning the loss of his beloved Bellevite, receives a stern yet supportive lecture from his father, a seasoned captain. Their conversation reveals a young officer torn between personal longing and the grave responsibilities of war, while the crew’s camaraderie offers both comfort and tension. Early encounters with enemy vessels hint at the perilous cat‑and‑mouse game that will test his resolve.

Blending meticulous historical flavor with imaginative drama, the novel paints the blockade as a crucible of courage, sacrifice, and moral conflict. It invites listeners to feel the salty spray, hear the orders barked across decks, and witness a fledgling hero’s first steps toward the larger, turbulent currents of the nation’s destiny.