War in the Chesapeake: The British Campaigns to Control the Bay, 1813-1814

"There are so many facets to the War of 1812 on Chesapeake Bay that describing them is more akin to detailing all the crannies of an oyster shell than the smooth surface of the pearl inside. And yet, author Charles Patrick Neimeyer has managed to do just that in this gem of an 1812 book." - The Historian "Neimeyer has made a solid contribution to the military literature of the War of 1812 with War in the Chesapeake. His analysis is based mainly on published primary sources, including period newspapers, but he also drew on several archival collections, such as the James Madison Papers at the Library of Congress, the holdings of the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration, and the National Archives of the United Kingdom. He also furnished a richer context for his story by drawing on drawing on nonmilitary sources to describe its geographic, economic, political, and cultural environment. The Chesapeake campaigns drove home the additional danger a slave-holding society faced whenever it fought a power willing to exploit those it held in bondage--something white Americans had experienced during their original revolt against British rule and something their Southern descendants would face again after the United States became convulsed by civil war."--Army History "The author presents not just a narrative but a rich background and context of the impact of personalities and circumstances on the decisions that tacked the course of the campaign." - Seapower "...Neimeyer writes with authority, providing much absorbing detail on American dispositions for the defence of Baltimore - as one would expect from his US Marine Corps and academic background. This section alone might well recommend the book to the maritime history reading community on both sides of the Atlantic, at a price most could afford."--International Journal of Maritime History "The quality of Charles Neimeyer's work is not just in its ability to lucidly convey the course of an undeservedly forgotten war but also the lessons it impressively demonstrates. The author's determination to incorporate of the experiences of ordinary soldiers and civilians while also highlighting the tactical and strategic lessons learned by the US Navy - and his convincing assertion of the incisive impact amphibious capable forces can have in conflicts (as demonstrated by the Chesapeake campaigns)--are ones which exemplify why the War of 1812 should be anything but a 'forgotten war.'"--The Mariner's Mirror "The director of Marine Corps history and retired lieutenant colonel with a Ph.D. brings his academic and military insights to battles."--Military Times "Neimeyer provides a fresh look fortified with penetrating analysis. This work is well-balanced, speaking perceptively to national policy, strategy, diplomacy, and joint operations from both sides. This is a scholarly work written for a popular readership and is at the top of the genre."--Naval War College Review "Presents an interesting and informative history of a key campaign of the War of 1812..."--Virginian-Pilot "Charles Neimeyer's work is a major contribution to the literature on the War of 1812. In splendid prose, he sheds new light on British operations in Chesapeake Bay during the crucial years, 1813 and 1814. Filled with compelling detail, the book illuminates an area critical to understanding an under-appreciated war that was, in fact, of great importance in our nation's history. Bravo!"--Dr. George C. Daughan, author of 1812: The Navy's War "The quality of Charles Neimeyer's insights into the British campaigns to terrorize the coastline and control the Chesapeake Bay are perfectly captured, comprehensively researched, and masterfully written. War in the Chesapeake: The British Campaigns to Control the Bay, 1813-14 is indispensable in understanding the capture of Norfolk, Battle of Bladensburg, burning of the City of Washington, and the successful defense of Baltimore. By war's end the British presence in the Bay had been removed, the U.S. Navy had gained a new respect and important lessons were learned for a nation at war. Neimeyer has made a significant new contribution to our naval and maritime literature."-- Major Gen. Donald R. Gardner, USMC (Ret.), president emeritus, Marine Corps University "War in the Chesapeake is a welcome addition to the plethora of historical narratives regarding America's first forgotten war. Much gratitude is due to this Marine Corps historian who seeks to ignite the same esprit de corps that has produced this signatory work."--The Daybook, Hampton Roads Naval Museum "Historian Charles Neimeyer knows how to tell a riveting story. He has done so once again in this fascinating new volume about the War of 1812 with a focus on British campaigning in the Chesapeake Bay region. Particularly noteworthy is Neimeyer's presentation of the destructive British raid on Washington, D. C., followed up by a foiled attempt to destroy Baltimore. A marvelous book . . . Highly recommended for anyone interested in the War of 1812 and America's military history."--James Kirby Martin, Hugh Roy and Lillie Cranz Cullen University Professor of History, University of Houston "This is a fascinating book for any historian, and a treasure trove for any reader, like this reviewer, who lives on or near the Bay. The book is a great read and a real boon to anyone who wants to do further study on this largely forgotten piece of American history. The author, who acknowledges he had a 'tremendous lot of fun' writing this book, has produced a valuable addition to anyone's library of military history."--Foreign Policy.com's "The Best Defense" "War in the Chesapeake is an excellent work of history, told in a clear and compelling manner. It illuminates an aspect of the War of 1812 that is often neglected or at least, with the exception of the burning of Washington and the assault on Fort McHenry, not given its proper due. Of particular and lasting importance is the case the book makes for the role of amphibious capable forces that can operate against a foreign shore with near impunity and the impact such forces must have on the defensers that would try to defeat them. Neimeyer has a deft hand when it comes to describing personalities and his refusal to ignore the experiences of the army's rank and file and ordinary civilians is highly commendable and effective. Of note is his discussion of the success the British had in enlisting former colonial slaves once they had been liberated from bondage. The book's explanations of the various battles and skirmishes are both informative and exciting."--RICHARD J. NORTON, PHD, Professor of National Security Affairs, U.S. Naval War College "The quality of Charles Neimeyer's insights into the British campaigns to terrorize the coastline and control the Chesapeake Bay are perfectly captured, comprehensively researched, and masterfully written. War in the Chesapeake: The British Campaigns to Control the Bay, 1813-14 is indispensable in understanding the capture of Norfolk, Battle of Bladensburg, burning of the City of Washington, and the successful defense of Baltimore. By war's end the British presence in the Bay had been removed, the U.S. Navy had gained a new respect and important lessons were learned for a nation at war. Neimeyer has made a significant new contribution to our naval and maritime literature."--MAJOR GEN. DONALD R. GARDNER, USMC (RET.), president emeritus, Marine Corps University