The Cruise of the Alabama and the Sumter

The Cruise of the Alabama and the Sumter: From the Private Journals and Other Papers of Commander R. Semmes, C.S.N., and Other Officers.

“To have brought a Federal ship into the waters of Georgia, and ravaged her coasts, and fired upon her people, would have been, in his eyes, little …

The Cruise of the Alabama and the Sumter: From the Private Journals and Other Papers of Commander R. Semmes, C.S.N., and Other Officers.

“To have brought a Federal ship into the waters of Georgia, and ravaged her coasts, and fired upon her people, would have been, in his eyes, little less than matricide. He forthwith resigned his commission and joined his fortunes with those of his people.” ~ A fellow Confederate Officer speaking of Raphael Semmes

In order to properly interpret history one must go to the source of those who were there. Rear-Admiral Raphael Semmes, commander of the CSS Sumter and Captain of the CSS Alabama led quite the naval career on the high seas. From plans, tactics, and battles, to expositions and misfortunes, The Cruise of the Alabama and the Sumter recount from the journals of both Semmes and his fellow officers in an epic first-hand account of their Naval exploits.