9781422287446

10 Confederate Flag: Controversial Symbol of the South

Ocean toward the coast of New England. Its mission was to sink whaling ships that were heading home with their rich cargoes of whale fat, called blubber. High atop one of the Shenandoah ’s masts flew the ship’s colors—its battle flag. Known as the Confederate Navy Jack, it included the Southern Cross flag. This consisted of a blue cross containing 13 stars set against a red field. The Southern Cross flag had been carried into battle by Confederate soldiers since early in the war. In the navy flag, the Southern Cross flag was set on a white background. The hunting was good for the Shenandoah . Waddell’s ship sank six Union vessels in a little more than three weeks of sailing. On November 12, 1864, the Shenandoah turned south and headed toward South America. Along the way, Waddell’s ship encountered three more Union vessels and sank them all. By the end of 1864, the Shenandoah had sailed around Cape Horn on the tip of South America and headed north. Its captain intended to sink Union whaling ships bound for Hawaii. Despite the Shenandoah’s success at sea, the Civil War was drawing to an end. On April 9, 1865, General Robert E. Lee, commander of the Confederate Army, surren- dered to General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House in Virginia. Although some Confederates contin- ued to fight, the conflict was essentially over. Captain Waddell had no idea the war had ended. During April, May, and June the Shenandoah continued