John Wilkinson, born in Norfolk, Virginia, on November 6, 1821, was only 16 years old when he joined the navy. He was a cadet in the United States Navy. Wilkinson was not entirely close to his father, Jesse Wilkinson. In fact, he grew up without him. He was not very good at his studies. Indeed, it was before the creation of the Naval Academy. A Blockade Runner's Tale is a personal account, meaning it will primarily include the experiences of John Wilkinson. When you read this story, you will feel like you are reading a newspaper article. It was common for many to write in journals in the 19th century. Wilkinson was very direct and viewed war as work. “As the boys said before the flood, they would be very likely to 'miss the cow and kill the calf.' The main danger was on the high seas; many light cruisers have great speed” (page 131). He said this before the war and what he meant was that there would be many innocent people who would lose their lives due to accidents. He also says that war is imminent. Moses 2John Wilkinson also knew the famous Robert E. Lee. Lee was also a blockade runner. Wilkinson went to England and gave orders to Lee. Robert E. Lee is remembered as probably one of the most successful Confederate soldiers. It is quite surprising that Wilkinson commanded one of the most famous names of the Civil War. "As gentle a man as ever scuttled a ship or cut its throat" (page 95) Wilkinson uses a stanza from Don Juan's (also known as Byron) poem "Canto III", which was written in the same year of Wilkinson's birth. In April 1861, during the fall of New Orleans, Wilkinson was captured and held until August 1862. He wrote to them how he was in the middle of a paper, out of all the fighting. the story is linked to our course, it's because we talked about the civil war. We are talking about military strategy. Although we are not certified to create military strategies, the course and strategy development requires critical thinking. I don't recommend this book to anyone simply because of the dull, plain, tedious personality that John Wilkinson gives throughout his narrative. Anyone would be better off reading any other book about the civil war and all the blockade organizers. Works Cited Wilkinson, John New York: Sheldon & Company. 8 Murray Street. 1877. Print. (Page 131). Wilkinson, John New York: Sheldon & Company. 8 Murray Street. 1877. Print. (Page 95). Wilkinson, John New York: Sheldon & Company. 8 Murray Street. 1877. Print. (Page 252).https://sites.google.com/site/290foundation/290-standing-orders/john-wilkinson