Read was initially assigned to the CSS McRae at New Orleans, Louisiana as a midshipman and participated in the battle between batteries on Ship Island and the USS Massachusetts on July 9, 1861.

Read served as acting commander of the Arkansas during her final battle supporting the Confederate Army assaulting Baton Rouge, Louisiana on 6 August 1862.

After the sinking of the Arkansas, Read travelled by foot to Port Hudson, Louisiana and assisted with the emplacement of shore guns there.

[2] After his release, Read participated in naval and land operations on the James River, he commanded the CSS Scorpion and two other torpedo boats at the Battle of Trent's Reach.

Read attempted to break out to the Gulf of Mexico but grounded in shallow waters near New Orleans on April 23, 1865.

[2] In 1867, Read was second officer aboard a ship involved in an effort to help Cuban rebels overthrow the Spanish government of the island.