The CSS Shenandoah fired the last shot of the Civil War and was the only Confederate warship to circumnavigate the globe. But what was Captain James Waddell's true relationship with his Yankee prisoner Lillias Nichols and how did it determine the ship's final destination? Without orders; Waddell undertook a dangerous three month voyage through waters infested with enemy cruisers. He risked mutiny by a horrified crew who; having been declared pirates; could be hanged. This is the true story behind the cruise of the Shenandoah--one of secret love and blackmail--brought to light for the first time in 150 years.
#795808 in Books McFarland 2013-03-12Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.80 x .70 x 6.90l; .95 #File Name: 0786472006240 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. An excellent narrative teller of local history!By Dennis G JohnsonI read the first few pages of this book online and I was hooked. Nancy Beasley is an excellent narrative storyteller of the people; organizations and especially the churches who were involved in the Underground Railroad in DeKalb County; Illinois. Her research reveals previously hidden stories. These are stories of everyday people and churches; beginning in the 1840s; who stepped up and demonstrated their faith through courageous action. They saw and debated slavery in terms of the compassion of the Christian gospel. You see people who risked their lives; jobs and reptuations. It is fitting that Mrs. Beasley's detailed research gives credit to these previously "hidden histories." I was very pleased to read of the courage of my predecessor churches; First Congregational and the Universalist Church of Sycamore. (I am the pastor of Federated Church of Sycamore; Il.; a combination of both congregations) At a time when churches continue to be divided or punished for stepping up into areas of justice; these stories reveal our roots that can allow us to bloom with pride. She is in the league of Doris Kearns Goodwin or David McCullough.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. An exceptionally accurate account of the families involved in DeKalb's Underground RailroadBy Rebecca Bennett TrichellMrs. Beasley brought to light the single-minded dedication and heartfelt desire of a group of people to help those they saw enslaved. Although they were newly come to DeKalb from their homes in the East and undergoing the hardships they must face themselves; they gave themselves to be their brother's keepers. This was their Christian duty and they did not fail to perform.Their zeal put them in the same dangers as the captives they organized themselves to help. Mrs. Beasley has given these families the recognition they deserve and has given all of us a picture of history that we know little about.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. The Effect of Religion on Northern AbolitionistsBy Toni ListonA complete and comprehensive review of the abolitionist and religious culture in DeKalb Countyand the city of Sycamore in particular. I was surprised to see I knew several decendants of many individuals profiled.
