Guns of the Western Waters is a comprehensive account of the role of river gunboats during the American Civil War. Written by H. Allen Gosnell, the book explores the history of these vessels, which were essential in securing control of the Mississippi River and its tributaries.The book begins with an overview of the strategic importance of the Mississippi River in the war effort, and the challenges faced by Union and Confederate forces in controlling it. Gosnell then delves into the development of river gunboats, their design and construction, and the tactics used by their crews.The author provides detailed accounts of the major battles and campaigns in which river gunboats played a critical role, including the capture of New Orleans, the siege of Vicksburg, and the Red River Campaign. He also examines the day-to-day life of sailors and officers on board these vessels, as well as the challenges they faced in navigating treacherous waters and engaging in combat.Throughout the book, Gosnell draws on a wide range of primary sources, including letters, diaries, and official reports, to provide a vivid and engaging portrait of the men and women who served on river gunboats. The result is a fascinating and informative account of a little-known aspect of the Civil War, and a tribute to the bravery and skill of those who fought on the Western waters.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.