Lincoln's Admiral: The Civil War Campaigns of David Farragut

by James P. Duffy

This book tells of the Civil War campaigns of David Farragut. Thoroughly researched and compellingly written, this book examines Farragut's command of the most daring and important assignment of the Civil the mission to recapture the vital Southern port of New Orleans.

"Damn the torpedoes... Full speed ahead." Admiral David Farragut's bold order at the Battle of Mobile Bay has served as a rallying cry for the United States Navy for a century. Described as "urbane" and "indomitable" by contemporaries, and lionized as an "American Viking" by the Northern press during the Civil War. Farragut was considered gallant, brilliant, and humane by friend and foe alike. 

Lincoln's Admiral also offers insights into the Battle of Mobile Bay, arguably Farragut's most famous campaign. An expansive and compelling chronicle of Farragut's career, Lincoln's Admiral traces the brilliant decisions and wartime strategy of one of history's greatest military leaders. 

Genres: History, Civil War, Biography, American Civil War, Nonfiction, Military History, American History

276 pages, Hardcover

First published February 18, 1997

Reviews

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, partly because I know little about the naval side of the ACW, and partly because I found David Farragut to be an appealing character in many ways. He was a no-nonsense sailor, who wasn't full of himself, unlike David Porter. He did his duty with audacity, perseverance, and humanity in a war, which frequently displayed none.

The book describes the taking of New Orleans, and the fight for the control of the Mississippi in an easy-to-understand style, although maps would have been much appreciated. The other big battle was at Mobile Bay. Again, the action was exciting and well-told, including the tragic sinking of the monitor, USS TECUMSEH, when it struck a torpedo (mine). Considering that Farragut was known for the paraphrased quote, "Damn the torpedoes. Full speed ahead," the loss of those 95 men was rather ironic since an effort had been made to stay away from the torpedo field.

The land battles of the Civil War receive so much attention that it was a pleasure to learn about the contributions of the navy as well. As the author pointed out, the blockade of southern ports and the success on the Mississippi contributed greatly to victory.

[Karl Schaeffer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very readable, straight ahead biography of David Farragut, the Union admiral that took the lower Mississippi River away from the traitor states during the Civil War. In spite of back stabbing peers, Farragut wins the confidence of the Sec of Navy and Pre Lincoln due to his conquests of New Orleans, Vicksburg and Mobile Bay. In addition he successfully controlled the Red River, keeping valuable food supplies from Texas being delivered to the traitor states. First book I've read by James Duffy, he has a few more histories that may be worth reading.

[patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, it was great history read. I learned a lot. Johnny Horton's song "Battle of New Orleans" was meant for the war of 1812. :) Farragut's glory days were a battle for New Orleans in the Civil War and on the Mississipppi River capturing Mobile Bay and Vicksburg. He was the nation's hero at the war's end. We are currently hosting at the Farragut State Park in Idaho and I was fasinated with this navy hero who is so honored here. Thus, my reading this book of history. I believe there is a navy ship in today's fleet named the Farragut in his honor. If you like history, well researched and well told, read this book. "Damn the torpedoes, full steam ahead".

[Jim]

A good biography of Admiral David G. Farragut. Most of the book concentrates on his capture of New Orleans and victory at Mobile Bay. But it also includes Farragut's service on the U.S.S. Essex during the War of 1812 with his adopted father, Captain David Porter.



Some of Farragut's junior officers, like George Dewey, went on to become naval heroes in their own rights in the Spanish-American War.

[gary sterling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fine History of our Civil War's Greatest Admiral

If you are a history buff or specifically a Civil War buff, this book is a must read. Interesting biography and fascinating history of naval warfare from 1815-1865.

[Clay Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent biography of a Civil War commander.

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

While historians have done much to trumpet the accomplishments of great Union Generals, like Grant and Sherman (and rightfully so), they have regrettably paid less attention to the crucial victories of the U. S. Navy's first Admiral, David Farragut. While Sherman captured Atlanta and Grant captured Vicksburg, it was Farragut and the U.S. Navy that split the Confederacy and choked off its commerce and supply lines with audacious triumphs at New Orleans and Mobile Bay. Duffy gives a clear and engaging account of Farragut's naval battles on the Mississippi and in the Gulf. His history leaves you with the conviction that the Union's suppression of the Confederate rebellion resulted from more than the defeat of Lee's army. As a resident of New York's northern suburbs, I have always been pleased to be a neighbor of John Jay's homestead. Now, I am equally pleased to live near the residence and resting place of another extraordinary American.

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lincoln's Admiral: The civil war campaigns of David Farragut

Read the story of history of David Farragut and his influence and notoriety in America's challenge to preserve the union is an all inspiring history of a great man. David Farragut had a different idea of going to war he cared for his man and he took care of them. He had concern for the enemy and watched out for them. He did nothing It wasn't needed to be done for the total defeat of the enemy throughout his military history. He was a great naval war hero and a great American and he help keep our great country united. I recommend this book for anyone that is interested in American history

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clearly focused warrior and leader

A simple map would have greatly contributed to an otherwise very well written account of the battles on the Mississippi by the Union. History can and should be exciting as well as accurate. Being able to relate to the geography in modern times about battles on the river during the Civil War is inspiring. Places such as the “English Turn” really exist today and can be visited as well as the several forts cited. Ship Island is real and the fort is still there.
An exciting page turner.

[George Summerfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!"

Normally, when one reads of so many great naval battles they are spread over several years and generations alike. Not so when reading about the incredible life of the first Admiral of the USN, David Farragut! A well researched, and compelling read from front to finish - you'll probably want to read it more than once! Bravo Zulu James P. Duffy for writing such a compelling historical account, for a man (Farragut) deserving of no less in the annals of American history.

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew almost nothing about David Farragut before reading this book - besides he was a Civil War naval hero and he had a street name and statue in South Boston. Although he got some recognition during his active service, he played an outsize role in winning over the western theatre in the Civil War. His most famous words were: “damn the torpedoes (actually mines in the water), full speed ahead!” I learned about a consummate naval professional who took care of his men and won naval battles with good strategy and tactics.

[Kevin Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Book About Admiral Farragut

Based upon the title of the book, I assumed the book a going tip be more about the interactions between President Lincoln and Admiral Farragut. It was not. However, the book was an outstanding read! It details his tactics during the war, which lead to his success. Also, how his ideas of tactics changed over time to include monitors in taking Mobile... Highly recommend!

[Gale · Rating 3 out of 5]

Navy battles of the Civil War

This book features an important naval leader of the Civil War, his upbringing, peregrinations, and development into a vital strategic leader. While introducing the reader to David Farragut, the book is a more a well researched chronology of ships and battles than a readable story. This reader would have preferred a more engaging biographical account.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great telling of naval history

As a fan of naval history, I chose this book to learn more about Adm. David Farragut. It was a very detailed writing, allowing the reader to almost feel present at the battles as they took place. The politics and personalities of the characters were exposed, providing a better understanding as to why events occurred and what impact they had on American history.

[David Hughes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Second time in an excellent naval story.

Once again Mr.Duffy really explained the strategy of evading the two forts the taking ovErwOrked Louisana. I liked the way author explained the early naval mentality I e young midshipman learning to read and write.That was a bargain @@ $1.08..trulyDRH.

[William Rowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent description and explanation of the Mississippi and western Gulf in the American Civil War

The author explains the campaign on the Mississippi and Mobile. We hear of Vicksburg and Red River. This is the why and how. The title emphasizes the admiral, so the reader doesn’t expect a clear explanation of how the Union took the river.

[charles whitcomb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well Done

Well done and well met the life and naval career of David Farragut President Lincoln’s Admiral. This man is a bit like Washington if you can imagine Washington a sailor. Gentlemen and warrior, family man and comrade in arms who circumstances and ability selected him to win victories for his country.

[Timothy W Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Under told History

I have read extensively about the civil war. The naval battles have received far to little attention. This was a well told story about the Admiral and his accomplishments.

[Ann Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific book.

This book was fantastic. I have been a student of the civil war for a long time but had never learned about this naval aspect. It was fascinating and so well written it was hard to put it down. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in civil war history.

[James King · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was relatively shallow and poorly footnoted. It actually has no footnotes or endnotes. Its one saving grace is that it has an extensive bibliography. It could have been done so much better.

[Francis X DuFour · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rousing tale

A concise account of the life of America’s greatest naval hero. Well written, full of personal anecdotes and just the right level of detail.

[Jim Calhoun · Rating 5 out of 5]

VERY, VERY GOOD

This is a very good easy reading book for any Civil War buff. It reads almost like fiction without small details demanded by most history professors. GREAT READ.

[Paul Frazee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written and thoroughly researched. Easy to read.

Duffy has a flair for taking a complex story and turning it into a pleasant read. Very enjoyable. Highly recommended.

[Tim Deforest · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent and straightforward biography of the Navy's first admiral, with vivid descriptions of the battles of New Orleans and Mobile Bay.

[Joseph Daniels · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exciting and informative work

I was pleased to read an historical treatise that held my attention with suspense. Well done. Damn the torpedoes full speed ahead

[Dan McConnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

History book that reads like a novel.

[Albert DeWitte · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book

This was a great book. I did not know much about Admiral Farragut until now. I am sure glad I read this book.

[Adelbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well researched and written. Detailed information of Farragut's operations during the Civil War.
Must read for any student if the naval campaigns of the navy during the Civil War.

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good biography of America’s First Admiral. I didn’t know until reading this that no admirals were appointed until the Civil War the highest rank in the US Navy was Captain. It covers his early career entering the Navy at age 9 just prior to the War of 1812 but focuses mainly on his Civil War triumphs. Despite being born in Tennessee and married to a woman from Virginia Farragut stayed with the Union. It follows his taking of New Orleans and Mobile and the unorthodox strategies that he uses to capture each and his battles to help the Union control the Mississippi by taking Vicksburg and Port Hudson. Excellent read.

[Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was drawn to this author due to the excellent and recent 'War at the End of the World' about the New Guinea campaign in WW2. I always wanted to read a narrative about Farragut's campaigns as one of the few things Civil War related that my knowledge was weak on was the naval elements outside of Hampton Roads, New Orleans, and Mobile Bay. This filled in that gap nicely as well as telling the story of the quite eventful life America's first admiral had before the war.