Last Flag Down: The Epic Journey of the Last Confederate Warship

The US Civil War raider CSS Shenandoah was a remarkable ship with a remarkable crew, and its 15,000 mile voyage was nothing short of amazing for its time. Built with the latest technology, skills and methods by the world's preeminent industrial powerhouse of the day, the sail and steam hybrid was in a class of its own, and a sharp instrument of national policy. A larger story within was the leadership of young officers from a dying plantation class, and their international crew, many from the ships she took as prizes. The story both begins and ends in Liverpool, England, where she was furtively built, and some sixteen months later openly surrendered. Whether they were pirates or patriots will have to be explored elsewhere; this book is about their story, as individuals and crewmembers, their amazing feats of seamanship, courage and persistence during their cruise, and how they accepted the end. Well written, very readable, and hard to put down once started.

The vessel had begun life as "Sea King". That would all change in the fall of 1864 when a wealthy British industrialist named Richard Wright purchased the sleek three-masted racing clipper with a very specific purpose in mind. You see Richard Wright had made his fortune in the textile business in England. Like so many other businessmen of his day his success depended on an uninterrupted flow of the cotton that was grown in what was at that time the fledgling Confederate States of America. Prospects for a Confederate victory in the Civil War had dimmed considerably by this time and Wright concocted a plan in a desperate attempt to turn the tide in favor of the Confederacy. And so it was that on October 8, 1864 the good ship "Sea King" slipped out of London. Within days the vessel would be turned over to the Confederate Navy and renamed "Shenandoah". Her mission: to wreak havoc with Yankee shipping interests all over the world. "Last Flag Down: The Epic Journey of the Last Confederate Warship" is the compelling account of the journey of "Shenandoah" that would take her all the way around the world and last for an entire year. It is a book that I could simply not put down. Much of the source material for "Last Flag Down" comes from the meticulously written journals of the Executive Officer of the "Shenandoah" Conway Whittle. At just 24 years of age Whittle was already a seasoned veteran having served with distinction on the CSS "Nashville". His journal entries reveal the exact nature of the mission of the "Shenandoah" as well as the hardships and triumphs that the officers and crew would experience over the next twelve months. To me this is absolutely the best kind of history. I would compare it most favorably to a pair of very important books from the past few years. David McCullough's sensational "John Adams" was based largely on the copious letters written by John and Abigail Adams. Likewise Charles Rappleye's splendid "Sons of Providence" features the letters between the brothers John and Moses Brown. Such source material is really invaluable because it not only reveals what went on but also helps to explain why things happened the way they did. Prior to reading "Last Flag Down" I had never even heard of the "Shenandoah". I am not quite sure if this is simply ignorance on my part or if there has not been all that much written about this incredible ship. In any event, I found "Last Flag Down" to be absolutely spellbinding. John Baldwin and Ron Powers have certainly done an admirable job of bringing to life an important piece of American history here. This is a book that history buffs will relish and general audiences will enjoy. Very highly recommended!

I was stranded in Houston Hobby airport at the beginning of Memorial Day Weekend due to bad weather so bought something just to occupy my time until they could finally put me on a plane. Wow, I could not walk away from this book over the holiday weekend. The farther in I got the better it was...and the fascinating thing was that this is a true story. Whittle is one of the absolute best real life hero's you'll ever read about and you find yourself pulling hard for him. I can't recommend this book enough for a host of reasons. You will actually learn some valuable life lessons about effectively dealing with adversity, dealing with others, etc. while going on this truly exciting adventure.

When I was a young boy my father taught me to sail. We sailed together for many years along the east coast of the US and in the great lakes. Frequently we would talk of maritime adventures. He would tell me stories of journeys and battles and such. He passed away ten years ago. Reading this book brought back memories of our times together and the images I still had in my mind from those days. I think it is extremely well written and weaves this journey together in a masterful way. I highly recommend it to everyone, especially all sailors.

Last Flag Down: The Epic Journey of the Last Confederate Warship may be one of the best historical books I read in 2007. The authors, John Baldwin and Ron Powers, using primary sources, manage to spin a great story about one of histories here-to-fore unknown episodes. The CSS Shenandoah was purchased in London in 1864 by the confederacy. Converted out to a warship while at sea, the Shenandoah managed to sail around the world while picking off American ships on the high seas. Nabbing 38 vessels, mostly whaling ships and nearly 1000 prisoners, the Shenandoahs Captain, James Waddell and his crew managed to significantly impact Americas merchant fleet. Though having virtually no impact on the ultimate outcome of the war, the story of the CSS Shenandoah is one worth reading. Eventually the ship returned to England where it was surrendered to English authorities and ultimately to the American government. Well researched (Baldwin is distantly related to Lt. Conway Whittle, the Shenandoah's executive officer), and written for the general reader, Last Flag Down is certain to be one of your favorite reads of the year. As I read Last Flag Down I kept wondering why this story never made it to the silver screen. Perhaps a movie might eventually be made. A terrific read.