Charleston Blockade: The Journals of John B. Marchand, U.S. Navy 1861-1862

**Charleston Blockade: The Journals of John B. Marchand, U.S. Navy 1861-1862** offers a unique and intimate perspective on one of the Civil War's most crucial yet often overlooked operations. While extensive scholarship exists on the strategic and economic implications of the Union blockade, this volume delves into the human experience of those directly involved. Through expertly edited selections from Commander John B. Marchand's personal sea journals, readers are granted an unfiltered glimpse into the daily realities faced by sailors on the blockading ships. Marchand's firsthand accounts, preserved with meticulous attention to authenticity and enhanced for clarity through thoughtful editorial choices, capture the tedium, challenges, and inherent perils of this vital naval endeavor. This collection is a distinguished addition to the works of Craig L. Symonds, a renowned historian whose scholarship consistently illuminates the complexities of naval warfare during the Civil War. Symonds’ previous contributions, such as *Confederate Victory at Fredericksburg* and *Lincoln and His Admirals*, demonstrate a keen ability to synthesize rigorous research with compelling narrative. "Charleston Blockade" aligns perfectly with Symonds’ established focus on the human element within grand military campaigns, offering a granular, personal account that complements broader strategic analyses. By bringing Marchand’s journals to light, Symonds not only enriches our understanding of the blockade's execution but also underscores the often-unseen sacrifices of the individuals who formed the backbone of the Union Navy's success in this critical theater of the war.