by James Russell Soley. 1903. 257p

During the Civil War, the blockade efforts by the Confederates aimed to challenge the effectiveness of the Union blockade. Foreign governments, particularly Great Britain, closely monitored the blockade's impact and efficiency. The Confederates tried to exploit any weaknesses in the blockade to maintain their trade and supply lines, leading to investigations by foreign powers to assess the blockade's effectiveness.

The Confederate Navy faced significant challenges during the Civil War, including limited resources, a shortage of seamen, and inadequate shipyards. While the Confederacy had skilled officers, they lacked a strong navy to effectively challenge the Union Navy's dominance. These challenges hindered the Confederate Navy's ability to conduct successful naval operations and compete with the Union Navy's superior resources and capabilities.

In the early stages of the war, naval operations lacked progressive leadership and readiness. The Confederate Navy struggled to adapt to the changing dynamics of naval warfare, especially with the introduction of new technologies and tactics. The lack of preparedness and innovative strategies in naval operations during 1861 posed challenges for both the Confederate and Union navies as they navigated the complexities of the Civil War at sea.