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A brief sketch of the work of Matthew Fontaine Maury during the war, 1861-1865   By:

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Richard L. Maury presents a valuable and detailed account of Matthew Fontaine Maury's contributions during the American Civil War in his book A Brief Sketch of the Work of Matthew Fontaine Maury during the War, 1861-1865. This intriguing historical piece sheds light on the remarkable career and impact of one of the most influential figures in navigation and oceanography.

Throughout the book, Maury provides a comprehensive overview of Matthew Maury's work during the war as the head of the Confederate Navy's Bureau of Navigation. With meticulous research and firsthand accounts, the author paints a vivid picture of Maury's tireless efforts and innovative initiatives in utilizing oceanographic knowledge to benefit the Confederate cause.

Maury's work in mapping naval routes, weather forecasting, and shipbuilding strategies emerge as pivotal elements in the Confederacy's naval operations. The author skillfully highlights the meticulousness of Maury's efforts and how his expertise contributed to improving the effectiveness of Confederate blockade-runners, enabling them to outmaneuver Union forces and deliver essential supplies.

Furthermore, Maury explores Maury's crucial role in the development and implementation of submarine warfare during the war. By establishing the Submarine Battery Service, Maury paved the way for the Confederacy to embrace and experiment with early forms of underwater warfare, foreseeing the impact submarines would later have in naval conflicts.

One of the strengths of Maury's work is his ability to contextualize Matthew Maury's contributions within the broader historical and social framework of the time. The author successfully intertwines personal anecdotes and excerpts from Maury's writings, offering readers a well-rounded understanding of Maury's character, motivations, and unwavering dedication to the Confederate cause.

However, as comprehensive as Maury's book is, some may find it lacking in certain areas. The focus remains primarily on Matthew Maury's naval endeavors, with less emphasis on his personal life, relationships, or the broader impact of his work beyond the Civil War. Additionally, a more critical examination of Maury's role in supporting slavery, which was integral to the Confederate cause, could have added depth to the narrative and provoked thought-provoking discussions.

In conclusion, A Brief Sketch of the Work of Matthew Fontaine Maury during the War, 1861-1865 by Richard L. Maury serves as an excellent resource for those interested in the intersections of science, technology, and military strategy during the American Civil War. Maury's meticulous research and insightful narrative bring Matthew Maury's invaluable contributions to the forefront, shedding light on a relatively overlooked aspect of Confederate naval operations.

First Page:

A Brief Sketch of the Work

of

MATTHEW FONTAINE MAURY

During the War 1861 1865

BY HIS SON

RICHARD L. MAURY

RICHMOND

Richmond

WHITTET & SHEPPERSON

1915

COPYRIGHTED, 1915, BY

KATHERINE C. STILES

INTRODUCTION

When I took charge of the Georgia Room, in the Confederate Museum, in Richmond, Virginia in 1897, I found among the De Renne collection an engraving of the pleasant, intellectual face of Commodore Matthew Fontaine Maury, so I went to his son, Colonel Richard L. Maury, who had been with his father in all his work here, and urged him to write the history of it, while memory, papers and books could be referred to; this carefully written, accurate paper was the result.

At one time, when Commodore Maury was very sick, he asked one of his daughters to get the Bible and read to him. She chose Psalm 8, the eighth verse of which speaks of "whatsoever walketh through the paths of the sea," he repeated "the paths of the sea, the paths of the sea, if God says the paths of the sea, they are there, and if I ever get out of this bed I will find them."

He did begin his deep sea soundings as soon as he was strong enough, and found that two ridges extended from the New York coast to England, so he made charts for ships to sail over one path to England and return over the other... Continue reading book >>




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