Dorothy Henderson

On Blockade Dorothy Henderson

Born in 1845 on the island of St. Croix, Danish West Indies, Alexander Henderson was a boy who yearned to go to sea and see the world. For his first long voyage, he signed up to sail to New York. Upon arrival, to his shock and surprise, he discovered that slavery was still in effect in the United States, and joined the Union Navy to help in destroying it. On Blockade is a colorfully written memoir of his experiences, relationships and duties aboard the USS Pembina during the U. S. Civil War; a first-hand account of his relationships with his fellow seamen and sea life as they carried out their mission to blockade the Confederate seaports. From his first sea voyage aboard the N. H. Gaston, to his honorable discharge from the USS Tahoma; from 'Sea Shanties' and 'General Muster' to 'capturing a 'Confederate blockade runner', Alexander journals his observances, the events and life lessons that helped shape his young adult life during a most important episode of United States history.