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Here's to Rafael Semmes, Maryland boy, the most successful and remarkable ships
captain in all of US history.
After resigning his commision in the US Navy he became a commander in
the Confederate States Navy.
He started as captain of the CSS Sumpter the Souths first commerce
raider. During 6 months at sea he captured 17 American merchant ships.
Then he was given command of the CSS Alabama.
During 22 months at sea, without ever operating out of a home port, the
Alabama cruised around the world attacking Union shipping as a commerce
raider.
Spending 534 of 657 days of her life at sea, the Alabama cruised the
eastern seaboard of the U.S., the Carribean, the Brazilian coast, the
Azores, along South Africa, the Indian Ocean, South China Sea, and the
Bay of Bengal, capturing 447 vessels and capturing or sinking or
burning 65 Union merchant ships at cost of over $6 million to the US.
As word of his success spread most US merchant ships were so scared
they didnt leave port.
Finally a powerful Union warship the USS Hatteras met up with the CSS
Alabama off the Texas coast on Jan 11, 1863. The Hatteras was quickly
sunk and her crew captured by the Alabama.
The Alabama was finally sunk by the warship USS Kearsarge in a battle
off France June 19, 1864, mostly because the Alabama had been at sea
for so long her gunpowder and fuses were wet. The 2 ships fired hundreds
of rounds at each other but some of the hits made by the Alabama didnt
explode.
But Semmes escaped. Returning to the Confederacy he was made Rear
Admiral. Later he was given command of ground troops and made a
Brigadier General. The only man in US history to be an Admiral and a
General at the same time.
On December 15, 1865 Semmes was arrested at brought to Washington to be
tried for treason and Piracy. Since commerce raiding is a legitimate wartime action all charges were
later dropped.
It doesn't take much to prey on whalers and merchant ships, and to avoid a handful of vessels that might have given him a contest.
Ole
__________________ I never knew a man who wished to be himself a slave. Consider if you know any good thing that no man desires for himself. A. Lincoln
Ok, ok, there's no need to knock on the good Admiral Semmes.
Whatever the original poster has said, Semmes (raider or not, apparently an object of some scorn here) was a gallant man in two navies and a great man in civilian life as well.
Although I'm more of Frank Buchanan fan when it comes to the CSN, I suppose.
__________________ Up men, and to your post! And let no man forget today that you are from old Virginia!
Sir,the intelligent thing to do would be to try and refute the content of the post, not attack me personally.
It's not a personal attack. Anyone who thinks Semmes is the greatest sea captain in US history knows nothing of US Naval History. The refutation is the body of US Naval History.
John Paul Jones alone refutes your opinion of Semmes. Dewey, Nimitz, and Halsey make Semmes look like a cabin boy. Within the Civil War itself, Farragut and Foote are better, and let's not forget John Winslow, who kicked Semmes' butt off Cherbourg.
You're the only one making a personal attack on you. By your own posts you demonstrate nothing but the behavior of a troll, so don't be surprised when you're treated like a troll.
Ok, ok, there's no need to knock on the good Admiral Semmes.
Whatever the original poster has said, Semmes (raider or not, apparently an object of some scorn here) was a gallant man in two navies and a great man in civilian life as well.
Although I'm more of Frank Buchanan fan when it comes to the CSN, I suppose.
Putting Semmes in his proper historical place is not a knock on him. Semmes was a talented captain, but he's nothing more than a mere footnote in US Naval History.
Captain Semmes served his cause very effectively. Much like Sherman, he attacked the enemy economy rather than enemy warships.
Privateering isn't necessarily heroic, since its meant destroying the livelihood of hardworking seamen by seizing and burning unarmed ships. But war isn't a duel between gentlemen.
I have not had time to look over all the posts, but I think innocent until proven guilty would be a nice way to treat new people.
Rather thann openly attacking someone and calling them out as a suspected troll is not proper ettiquette.
If you suspect someone is a troll report them to Mike and I, If we find no harm done add them to your ignore list.
Southern Man, I am sorry for the bumpy welcome, I hope you will continue to post, but be warrned this is a group of people that doesn't accept just any old theory. So be prepared to back up what you say with proof and documentation.
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The greatest ships Captain in US history? 
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