Calling All Bloggers!

MEN AND WOMEN WANTED FOR THE CIVIL WAR NAVY SESQUICENTENNIAL

Do you have an interest in writing or blogging? Enjoy doing research on the Civil War? We are currently looking for any and all interested in becoming a part of the Civil War Navy Sesquicentennial blog. Become a part of the Naval History and Heritage Command's official source for Civil War naval history!

If you are interested in becoming a blogger or other opportunities with the Civil War Navy Sesquicentennial, please send the following information and a 250-500 word "blog" writing sample to matthew.t.eng@navy.mil:

• Name:
• Email:
• Phone Number:
• School Affiliation (If applicable):
• Grade Level (If applicable):
• Why are you interested in the Civil War Navy 150 Blog?
• What are your favorite subject areas in Civil War naval history?

"Daar kom die Alibama"

Rarely do scholars note the impact the Civil War had on other countries, especially non-European ones. The South African folksong “Daar kom die Alibama” is a great example of the influence of international Civil War naval operations.

Daar kom die Alibama,
Die Alibama, die kom oor die see,
Daar kom die Alibama,
Die Alibama, die kom oor die see...
Nooi, nooi die rietkooi nooi,
Die rietkooi is gemaak,
Die rietkooi is vir my gemaak,
Om daarop te slaap...
O Alibama, die Alibama,
O Alibama, die kom oor die see,
O Alibama, die Alibama,
O Alibama, die kom oor die see...
There comes the Alabama,
The Alabama, it comes o'er the sea,
There comes the Alabama,
The Alabama, it comes o'er the sea...
Lass, lass, the reed bed calls,
The reed bed it is made,
The reed bed it is made for me,
To sleep upon...
Oh Alabama, the Alabama,
Oh Alabama, it comes o'er the sea,
Oh Alabama, the Alabama,
Oh Alabama, it comes o'er the sea...

This song speaks of the CSS Alabama’s expeditionary raid around the Cape of Good Hope in 1863. During the raid, the CSS Alabama and the CSS Tuscaloosa captured approximately five ships. Despite not incurring as many prizes in South Africa as it did in other areas of the world, the CSS Alabama left a definite mark on Cape Town’s history and culture.

New York Infantry Unit's Shamless Recruitment Poster

This seems like a poster appealing to sailors serving in the U.S. Navy, with the patriotic images of USS Constitution and the sailor standing with the U.S. flag.  However, upon closer inspection, one sees that it is actually attempting to poach American sailors away from the Navy and have them enlist in the 5th Regiment of the New York's "Excelsior Brigade."  The small print even uses the sales pitch "Sailors who prefer active service and fresh beef to midnight watches and salt junk are invited to join." 

HRNM Announces Civil War Navy Special Edition of Daybook

The Hampton Roads Naval Museum is pleased to announce that they are currently creating a Civil War Navy Special Edition of the Daybook next month.

The Daybook is the Hampton Roads Naval Museum's quarterly journal of local naval history. In each issue, this publication discusses the people, ships, and events that have made Hampton Roads the U.S. Navy's most important port.

The Daybook is available in print as a benefit of becoming a member of the Hampton Roads Naval Historical Foundation. Go to http://www.hrnhf.org/ or call 757-445-9932 to learn about the Foundation, how to join, and the numerous other benefits of getting involved.