Horatio Bridge 
Journal of an African Cruiser 
Comprising Sketches of the Canaries, the Cape De Verds, Liberia, Madeira, Sierra Leone, and Other Places of Interest on the West Coast of Africa

Horatio Bridge’s ‘Journal of an African Cruiser’ is a poignant and vivid account of his experiences during his time as a midshipman on a United States Navy expedition to Africa in the early 19th century. The book is written in a detailed and descriptive style, providing readers with a firsthand look at the challenges and perils of naval life during the era of the African slave trade. Bridge’s journal offers valuable insight into the brutality of the trade and the efforts of the Navy to suppress it, shedding light on this dark chapter of history. The narrative is engaging, with rich descriptions of the places visited and the people encountered during the expedition, making it a captivating read for history and naval enthusiasts alike. Horatio Bridge’s firsthand account of his experiences as a midshipman on a Navy expedition to Africa provides a valuable perspective on the efforts to combat the African slave trade in the 19th century. His detailed and descriptive narrative offers readers a unique glimpse into the challenges and dangers faced by sailors during this time, making ‘Journal of an African Cruiser’ a must-read for anyone interested in naval history or the abolitionist movement.