Journal of a Cruise

by David Porter

This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the original edition of Porter's account of this noteworthy scientific, exploratory, and reconnoitering expedition to Brazil, around Cape Horn, and on to Chile, Peru, the Gallapagos Islands, and Madison's Island, professionally and exhaustively recording every incident, sighting, discovery, and event.

500 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1970

About the author

David Porter was an officer in the United States Navy in the rank of captain and the honorary title of commodore. Porter commanded a number of U.S. naval ships, including the famous USS Constitution. He saw service in the First Barbary War, the War of 1812 and in the West Indies.

While in the West Indies suppressing piracy, Porter invaded the town of Fajardo, Puerto Rico (a Spanish colony) to avenge the jailing of an officer from his fleet. The U.S. government did not sanction Porter's act, and he was later court martialed; he resigned and then joined and became commander-in-chief of the Mexican Navy. He held this position from 1826 to 1829.

Reviews

[Joe Rennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story not very well known account of Captain David D Porter's voyage to the Pacific during the War of 1812