Ahoy, Y’all!

John Paul Jones (by Jean Michel Moreau c.1780; LOC: LC-USZ62-10884)

inspiring Semmes, Maffitt, et al

Confederate Navy hasn’t begun to fight.

A Southern editorial from 150 years ago today thinks the Confederate government should wake up to the potential of a bigger Confederate navy.

From the Richmond Daily Dispatch February 2, 1863:

The Confederate Navy.

Since the days of Paul Jones there have been no achievements of a single ship in naval warfare as brilliant as those of the Alabama. Capt. Semmes has won for himself and his country imperishable laurels. The Florida , which has just put to sea under her gallant commander, bids fair to rival the renown of the Alabama. The Navy Department and the Confederate Congress ought to devote their utmost energies to putting more ships afloat, and giving an opportunity to our gallant naval offices to distinguish themselves and render service to the Confederacy. The is the only arena upon which we can carry on aggressive warfare against the Yankees, and touch them in the vital spot of both their pride and interests. The extreme sensitiveness manifested in their commercial circles to the operations of a single ship, the Alabama shown us their weak spot, and we should strike at it with all our power. With all the boasted prowess of the Yankee upon the deep, we believe that a Confederate navy can be built up which will make the sea as uncomfortable to them as the shore, and drive their commerce — the source of all their wealth — from the face of the [earth, ocean?]

"Paul Jones the pirate", British caricature (engraving) of American naval commander John Paul Jones

Paul Jones to the Brits like Semmes to the North

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