Ironclad Ambush

[LtGenHenryWagerHalleck]

Honestly that guy is probably one of if not my favorite civil war writers as someone not super well versed in the conflict until recently his emerging civil war book that summarizes the naval action was a great intro I just started his treasure empire book too

The best overview of the navy in the war is for sure This Great Contest Afloat

 

[Rhea Cole]

Honestly that guy is probably one of if not my favorite civil war writers as someone not super well versed in the conflict until recently his emerging civil war book that summarizes the naval action was a great intro I just started his treasure empire book too

The best overview of the navy in the war is for sure This Great Contest Afloat

His background as a surface warfare officer gives him a grounding in the fundamentals that that I do not have.

I have been fascinated by naval warfare since I was a kid in South Dakota.

 

[USS Cumberland]

Arrived today! I am slowly devouring it. So far, I really like the author's writing style. Oddly, this newly-printed copy has a strong ink smell to it, reminding me of old timey mimeographs!

 

[Rhea Cole]

Arrived today! I am slowly devouring it. So far, I really like the author's writing style. Oddly, this newly-printed copy has a strong ink smell to it, reminding me of old timey mimeographs!

It is hot off the press. All kinds of curious tidbits.

 

[NFB22]

It is hot off the press. All kinds of curious tidbits.

Just need that George Hollins biography now I mentioned previously... @Neil P. Chatelain

 

[Rhea Cole]

Just need that George Hollins biography now I mentioned previously... @Neil P. Chatelain

Chatelain is a member of CWT. If you have a question you can private message him.

 

[NFB22]

Chatelain is a member of CWT. If you have a question you can private message him.

That's why I tagged him. Although I'm sure he's already hard at work with his next project.

 

[Rhea Cole]

That's why I tagged him. Although I'm sure he's already hard at work with his next project.

The latest response to the threat of drone attacks… look familiar?

Link

Russia tests floating gun outposts to shield naval bases from drones

Russia's new PLOT-40 floating pillbox features automated targeting systems designed to defend ports against Ukrainian naval drones.

interestingengineering.com

 

[Neil P. Chatelain]

I do not come on the forums very often between juggling everything else, but I will just say that I appreciate everyone's kind words. If you want to chat I am doing the CWTalk presents on August 26 and would love to talk about the book or anything else in the Q&A.

 

[lelliott19]

I do not come on the forums very often between juggling everything else, but I will just say that I appreciate everyone's kind words. If you want to chat I am doing the CWTalk presents on August 26 and would love to talk about the book or anything else in the Q&A.

Thanks Neil! I hope everyone who has been participating in this thread will join us Wednesday night!

Here's the direct registration link.
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/uwxAs-HFQ6S7vZ9UYB2E_g

And the event promo.

CWT Presents Thread 'Neil P. Chatelain - Ironclad Ambush: Confederates Strike Lincoln's Mississippi River Blockade at the Head of Passes, October 12, 1861'

Aug 22, 2026

Wednesday, August 26, 2026 at 8:30pm ET
CivilWarTalk Presents:
Neil P. Chatelain
author of
Ironclad Ambush: Confederates Strike Lincoln's Mississippi River
Blockade at the Head of Passes, October 12, 1861​

In early October 1861, United States warships entered the Head of Passes, where the Mississippi River's multiple entrances converge into a single channel. The occupation simplified the blockade by enabling a handful of ships to seal off the "father of waters" and cut off supplies to New Orleans...

• lelliott19
• Replies: 6
• Forum: Calendar Threads

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