War of 1812, 19th Century American History - Military History - General & Miscellaneous, United States - Naval History, United States Navy - Military Biography, United States Navy

Thomas Macdonough: Master of Command in the Early U.S. Navy

Name: Thomas Macdonough: Master of Command in the Early U.S. Navy
Author: David Curtis Skaggs
ISBN: 9781557508393

by David Curtis Skaggs

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Overview

The 11 September 1814 triumph of an American naval squadron over a much more heavily armed British squadron on Lake Champlain is considered to be the most significant tactical and strategic naval victory of the United States in the War of 1812. Yet the American who led the squadron, Commo. Thomas Macdonough, is a largely forgotten hero. In this work, historian David Skaggs rectifies the oversight by presenting a well-researched and detailed account not only of Macdonough's brilliant actions in the battle, but also the whole of this remarkable sailor's life. Not since the commodore's grandson wrote about him in 1909 has anyone explored Macdonough's career so thoroughly. Unlike that early, uncritical look at the naval leader, this study offers a balanced view of Macdonough's professional career and character. The work also explores the art of naval command in the age of fighting sail and tells how Macdonough received training in naval leadership and applied those lessons at Lake Champlain.

Synopsis

This is the first examination of the naval career of the American commander at the Battle of Plattsburgh during the war of 1812 since the hagiographic volume penned by Macdonough's grandson. The author concentrates on Macdonough's skill as a naval commander in the era of the sail. Annotation (c)2003 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR