Memoirs of Service Afloat During the Civil War (Illustrated Edition)

Madison & Adams Press presents the Civil War Memories Series. This meticulous selection of the firsthand accounts, memoirs and diaries is specially comprised for Civil War enthusiasts and all people curious about the personal accounts and true life stories of the unknown soldiers, the well known commanders, politicians, nurses and civilians amidst the war. 'Memoirs of Service Afloat During the Civil War' is a book of Raphael Semmes' Civil War recollections. In this work Semmes defended both his actions at sea and the political actions of the southern states. The book is viewed as one of the most cogent but bitter defenses written about the South's 'Lost Cause.'

Raphael Semmes (1809 - 1877) was an officer in the Confederate navy during the American Civil War. Prior to this, he had been a serving officer in the United States Navy from 1826 through 1860. During the American Civil War, Semmes was captain of the cruiser CSS Alabama, the most successful commerce raider in maritime history, taking 65 prizes. Late in the war, he was promoted to rear admiral and also acted briefly as a brigadier general in the Confederate States Army.