One man - Capt. Raphael Semmes dominates the history of Confederate naval operations in the American Civil War. Although the Confederates were hopelessly outnumbered at sea throughout the Civil War, Semmes roamed the oceans freely, first in the CSS Sumter and then the CSS Alabama, capturing nearly one hundred Federal merchant ships and precipitating a flight from the American flag that decimated the Federal Merchant Marine. This concise biography illustrates Semme's remarkable resourcefulness and audacity as a seaman and serves as an introduction to the evolution in naval warfare that took place during America's Civil War.

Showdown Off Cherbourg --Old Navy -- Cruise of the C.S.S. Sumter -- Mysterious 290 -- Trail of Fire -- Ruling the Waves -- "Pirate" Semmes -- Defiance -- Remembering Raphael Semmes.