Under the Blue Pennant: or Notes of a Naval Officer, 1863-1865

By John W. Grattan

Book Overview

"Rare . . . gives us insights into how Union naval officers thought, how they lived . . . entertaining and informative for the general reader and a mine of material for the specialist."-Journal of Military History "A small, long-submerged treasure that will reward those willing to give in to the unfamiliar waters of the Civil War's naval history."-Civil War Book Reviews "A surprisingly lively and modern read . . . a welcome addition to our knowledge of the lives of men who served in the Civil War."-Kirkus Reviews "Fresh and highly revealing." -Richmond Times-Dispatch Now available in paperback, this highly acclaimed eyewitness account of the Civil War at sea provides fascinating insights into command decisions made on the bridge as well as life below deck. Recently discovered in the Library of Congress archives, this memoir was written just after the Civil War by John Grattan, an ensign in the Union navy who witnessed some of the war's most significant naval operations. Under the editorship of acclaimed naval historian Robert Schneller, Grattan's account of the crucial struggle for control of the Atlantic seaboard bristles with the tension of combat. With sharply etched details of blockade running, guerrilla warfare, fierce underwater battles, the brutal advance on Richmond, and visits to the front lines by President Abraham Lincoln, this rare memoir includes personal observations of key naval and military leaders and rescues less-celebrated heroes from obscurity. Sparkling with Victorian wit, this from-the-front report opens a window into the lives of ordinary soldiers and the men who led them into war.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0471390216
• ISBN13: 9780471390213
• Release Date: August 2000
• Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.3" x 0.6" x 6.1"

Customer Reviews

The naval face of the Civil War

"Under the Blue Pennant" is a rare, firsthand account of naval life during the Civil War. For that alone, it would merit recognition, but it is also a well-written, fascinating history of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Its author, John Grattan, served as a clerk to the Squadron's commander, which provided him an intimate glimpse into both major strategic maneuvers and into the daily life of the Civil War sailor on the Union side. Many modern military experts view today's joint operations between all services as a new approach to war. Grattan's account provides solid proof that the Union's leaders were planning and executing combined operations all along. Grattan recorded his experiences and observations in a clear, cohesive prose. What Grattan leaves out in background detail, is ably provided in editor Robert John Schneller's excellent introduction. Although quite lengthy, the introduction places Grattan's experiences into the overall context of the Civil War. "Under the Blue Pennant" helps feeling a gaping hole of Civil War literature by wonderfully illustrating the vital but long neglected naval side of the war.

Fascinating Insight Into the US Navy in the Civil War

It is frustrating finding good books on the Navy during the Civil War, most everything published looks at operations on land. So it was fun surprise to find this book the other day. Grattan had a great "view" of the navy -- both its men (of high rank and low) and its operations. One gets an insight into life on ships for officers and enlisted, which is almost unheard of in Civil War publishing. Grattan is also candid in his opinions and one appreciates the frank assessments he makes.I was surprised at the length of the editor's introduction (50 pages) -- but it too was a pleasant surprise. Schneller's commentary is informed and well worth reading. I am glad to see that there is a publisher that still lets editors write long intros when warranted.The book has good maps and loads of illustrations, most all of which I have never seen before. The editor works at the U.S. Naval Historical Center, it appears he must know where all the good photos, paintings and woodcuts are kept.Bottom line -- Grattan and Schneller have teamed up after more than 130 years to produce a most fascinating book. If you are looking for something new and interesting on the Civil War, you will love their collaboration!