"Great Confederate naval comander" Topic

Okay guys, I can do the research when I find the time but thought I would go ahead and ask some of the "experts" on here. We all know about some "famous" very competent Union naval leaders, but what about the south? I know the south had some very forward thinking naval officers and did really good with what they had to work with.
I feel that because the south was never able to build an actual fleet or squadron of ironclads to engage in large battles no officer really got a chance to stand out in history like Farragut, Porter and others did for the north.
So my question is, given the chance, if history had been a little different, if the south had managed to gather a squadron of 3-4 ironclads at once, can you guys think of any officers that showed promise historically and probably would have done an excellent job if given the chance? Thanks for any input:)

Have look here if you haven't already.

csnavy.org

Arguably the most famous was Raphael Semmes, of the Alabama.

What do you think of what Brown did with the Arkansas?

Semmes naturally pops to mind. Would he have been as successful as a commodore as he was as captain of a raider?

That is my question as well, I think they require different talents and tactics. Kinda like commanding a sub vs a surface cruiser squadron in WW2. Why I was thinking of Brown. Anyway just my thoughts.

I've always been impressed with Issac Brown. In action almost every day of his command of the CSS Arkansas.

Semmes

I've always like Brown for the work he did on the Arkansas.

James Waddell of the Shenandoah must get a mention as the "Last Man Standing" and the last Confederate commander to surrender. The last act of the Civil War was Waddell walking up the steps of the town hall in Liverpool, England to surrender his ship to the British.

Buchanan at Mobile is about the only real squadron commander a Confederate force as opposed to state forces at New Orleans. The forces at Charleston SC were more of a treat than an anything else.

Semmes was promoted to Rear Admiral and commanded the James river ironclad squadron but didn't get a chance to do anything but blow them up. He formed a naval "brigade" of sailors and marines and retreated with the ANV. It is possible that it was he that sent the CSS Texas to Africa with the gold reserves. It must be true as I saw it in a movie.

…and I read it in a book. That makes it supportable for wikipedia, right?

'Old Buck' would be my pick. If he'd not stopped a bullet at Hampton's Roads might that have turned out differently? And given the odds, he fought CSS Tennessee and his squadron well at Mobile Bay.

Very interesting points all. Thanks for the input!
I am play testing a strategic level ACW board game I made and since one of the founding principles of the game is to give players the most room for the "what ifs" I decided to give the south one naval leader in the event the player decides to actually build a "squadron" of 3 ironclads for example. I think I will go with Brown. The point is the south gets one naval leader not so much who he is but since leaders are a very important part of the game I wanted it to at least be some one historical:)
The playtest has gone great and we have had some very interesting games:) Some play testers from the wargamers Facebook page have helped me out and I planned on posting a notice here at some point as well. Thanks again all and happy gaming:) I would do pictures but I can't figure TPMs outdated method.

The problem the Confederate navy faces is the number of ships.

Great officers for individual ships but unlike the Federals no real fleets.

The forcing of the lower Mississippi in 1862 is before the navy got it's act together. Added to the problem of ships under the command of state forces.

Thee squadrons only really exist – The James River Squadron defending Richmond. Never really pushes down river both sides sink ships to block the river.

Charleston SC Squadron never comes out. Most of the defense is via fortifications.

Mobile AL has one ironclad and a few gunboats.

The Union advantage in industrial resources is no where more apparent than the naval war.

I agree, and my game reflects this. But if the southern player is willing not to spend production on arty, fortifications and regular troops vs only volunteers/milita they can slowly over a few turns build a squadron and have a chance to hinder the northern player with it.

For sheer determination, imagination, creativity, improvisation, I'd have to put my money with Isaac Brown and his miracles with the Arkansas.

I have always been fond of James H. Tomb who came up with the CSS David as part of the defense of Charleston and was an unsung genius regarding "torpedoes", both spar and what we call mines today.

I think Tomb could have done a stellar job if he had the resources to build a real squadron at Charleston.