In The Sea Eagle, editor Carter adequately portrays Cushing in his introduction to the commander's wartime memoirs. The addition of glossaries describing officers and ships mentioned in the text, plus contemporary articles originally published in Battles and Leaders of the Civil War flesh out the life and exploits of the dashing Cushing.

The Past In Review

William Barker Cushing was the most intrepid and exciting officer in the U.S. Navy during the Civil War. His daring raids behind enemy lines, including the destruction of the Confederate ironclad Albemarle, are the stuff of legends. Alden Carter perfectly captures Cushing’s personality and actions in his introduction to the naval officer’s fascinating wartime memoir.

Chris E. Fonvielle Jr., University of North Carolina Wilmington, author of The Wilmington Campaign