Edge, Frederick Milnes
"An Englishman's View of the Battle between the Alabama and the Kearsarge" by Frederick Milnes Edge is a historical account written during the mid-19th century, specifically around the time of the American Civil War. The book examines the naval engagement that took place on June 19, 1864, off the coast of Cherbourg, France, between the Confederate privateer Alabama and the Union sloop-of-war Kearsarge. It provides a detailed analysis of the battle, the conditions under which it was fought, and the misrepresentations that arose in its aftermath. In this account, Edge recounts the events leading up to the sea battle, including the challenge issued by Captain Semmes of the Alabama to Captain Winslow of the Kearsarge. The narrative details the engagement itself, highlighting the effectiveness of the Kearsarge’s 11-inch Dahlgren guns and the factors that influenced the outcome. Edge argues against the many inaccuracies reported in the press regarding the battle, particularly those that sought to downplay the significance of the Kearsarge's victory. He discusses the armaments and conditions of both vessels, the crew dynamics, and the aftermath of the conflict, including the fate of the surviving crew members. Overall, the book aims to clarify the events surrounding this important naval encounter and to honor the contributions of the Kearsarge's crew. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
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