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Journal of a Cruise made to the Pacific Ocean by Captain David Porter, the the United States Frigate ESSEX, in the years 1812, 1813 and 1814

Journal of a Cruise made to the Pacific Ocean by Captain David Porter, the the United States Frigate ESSEX, in the years 1812, 1813 and 1814

Author (American, 1783 - 1843)
Date1815
Object number00001367
NameBook
MediumLeather, gilt, engravings, printed text on paper
DimensionsOverall: 220 x 135 x 33 mm, 0.6 kg
ClassificationsBooks and journals
Credit LineANMM Collection Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds
DescriptionBook titled 'Journal of a cruise made to the Pacific Ocean, by Captain David Porter, in the United States Frigate ESSEX, in the years 1812, 1813 and 1814'. The book containins descriptions of the Cape de Verd Islands, Coasts of Brazil, Patagonia, Chili, and Peru, and of the Gallapagos Islands. Also, a full account of the Washington Group of Islands, the manners, customs, and dress of the inhabitants. Published by Bradford and Inskeep, Philadelphia, 1815.HistoryUnited States naval officer David Porter was put in command of the of USS ESSEX during the War of 1812 against the British. After capturing the HMS ALERT on 13 August 1812 and raiding merchant shipping in the Atlantic he rounded Cape Horn in Februray 1813 and began warring on British shipping in the Pacific. Over the next year he captured 12 whaleships and took 360 prisoners. In June 1813, Porter released his prisoners, on the condition that they not fight against the United States until they were formerly exchanged for American prisoners of war. Porter and his fleet spent October - December 1813 resting and regrouping in the Marquesas Islands, which he claimed in the name of the United States and renamed them the Madison Islands, in honor of then-President James Madison. On 28 March1814 Porter was forced to surrender to Captain James Hillyar off Valparaíso after an engagement with the frigate HMS PHOEBE and the sloop HMS ALERT. The plate describes the account of the islands by American naval officer Captain David Porter (1783 - 1843) who arrived off Nuku Hiva, on 25 October 1813, renamed it Madison's Island after President James Madison, and established a naval base there to harass British shipping in the War of 1812.SignificanceDavid Porter commanded a number of United States naval ships, including the famous USS CONSTITUTION. He later served as Commander in Chief of the Mexican Navy and ended his career as the United States Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire.