The Shining Sea: David Porter and the Epic Voyage of the U.S.S. Essex during the War of 1812

The War of 1812 has mostly retreated from the national consciousness, even though it resulted in the burning of Washington, D.C. Maritime historian Daughan provides a reminder that 1812 was actually a global war and chronicles—capably, if drily, with many passages packed with long-forgotten sailing terminology—“the most famous voyage of the war, and one of the most spectacular in the entire age of fighting sail.” Momentous as the Essex’s journey was, its strategic relevance to the conflict is ambiguous. Stalled in the Atlantic, Capt. David Porter had to kill his valuable pigs and goats to conserve water—monkeys, however, were spared, since they were considered essential entertainment. Other animals were less welcome: rats tormented the sailors by “chewing through water casks... and eating their way through just about every part of the ship.” Porter, ready to break from capturing British vessels off South America, sailed for Polynesia to annex “Nuku Hiva in the name of the United States, even though he had no authorization from his government to do so.” Military subterfuge was likely not his primary concern, as “nothing engrossed sailors as much as thoughts of Polynesian women.” Daughan’s history provides the facts about this high-seas adventure, but readers may wish that his account was more entertaining. (Oct.)