Kidnapped at Sea | The Story of David Henry White By Andrew Sillen

For the Love of History - world history, women’s history, weird history

Welcome to For the Love of History! In this episode, we dive into a lesser-known yet fascinating tale of maritime history with author and archaeologist Andrew Celyn. His latest book, Kidnapped at Sea: The Civil War Voyage of David Henry White, uncovers the harrowing journey of a free Black teenager who was abducted and forced aboard the infamous Confederate raider, the CSS Alabama.

We discuss how David Henry White’s story defies Confederate propaganda and serves as a powerful counterpoint to the glorification of the Lost Cause. Andrew shares his journey from archaeology to Civil War history, his research challenges, and the surprising cultural connections between Cape Town and the Confederacy. From forensics to historical analysis, this episode is packed with revelations about one of history’s unsung heroes.

Episode Highlights:

• Andrew Celyn’s surprising start as an archaeologist and how it led him to uncover the story of David Henry White.
• The role of the CSS Alabama during the Civil War and its unexpected stop in Cape Town.
• How White’s life reveals the lies behind Confederate narratives.
• The challenges of reconstructing White’s story through sparse historical records.
• Discussion on Civil War naval stories, the Lost Cause myth, and Confederate propaganda.
• The importance of including marginalized voices in historical narratives.

Call to Action:

Don’t miss this enlightening conversation that challenges traditional Civil War narratives and brings a hidden story to light. Subscribe to For the Love of History wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review to help us continue uncovering fascinating historical tales. Share this episode with your friends who love learning about untold stories from history!

Guest Information:

Find out more about Andrew Celyn and his book Kidnapped at Sea: The Civil War Voyage of David Henry White by visiting kidnappedatsea.com

Additional Notes:

Check the show notes for a link to Andrew’s website and updates on upcoming book signings and events. Stay tuned for more captivating episodes on history that you didn’t know you needed to hear.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, share it, subscribe, and come back next time for more historical deep dives.

TrovaTrip Alert!

Oh hey, history buffs! Want to nerd out with me in person? Join me on a dreamy trip to Japan (hello matcha, temples, and Kyoto sunsets!) from August 24–30, 2025. Spots are limited, and early birds get a discount—don’t sleep on it!

https://trovatrip.com/trip/asia/japan/japan-with-tehya-nakamura-aug-2025

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Keywords

• David Henry White biography
• CSS Alabama history
• Civil War naval stories
• Teenage sailor Civil War
• Author interview Andrew Celyn
• Life aboard the CSS Alabama
• Confederate propaganda
• Maritime abductions in the Civil War
• Historical biographies Civil War
• Lost Cause revisionism

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