"Journal of an African Cruiser" by Horatio Bridge is a gripping naval memoir chronicling his maritime adventures and anti-slavery efforts along the African coast. As a naval officer, Bridge embarked on a daring naval expedition to West Africa, where he confronted the harrowing realities of the slave trade. Through vivid accounts of his encounters with slave traders and his efforts to combat this abhorrent practice, Bridge provides a firsthand glimpse into the complexities of African exploration and colonial encounters. Spanning naval missions and exploration of African colonies, Bridge's journal offers invaluable insights into the naval history of anti-slavery efforts. His experiences navigating the treacherous waters of the African coast and engaging in maritime adventures highlight the courage and dedication of naval officers in combating the slave trade. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to documenting his experiences, Bridge's memoir serves as both a historical record and a testament to the bravery of those who fought against the injustices of the slave trade. "Journal of an African Cruiser" stands as a compelling testament to Bridge's naval service and his unwavering commitment to anti-slavery efforts in the 19th century.
Horatio Bridge was a United States Navy officer who served as Chief of the Bureau of Provisions for many years, overseeing the Navy's supply chain. Bridge was appointed by his former college buddy, President Franklin Pierce, and served in this position across several administrations, including the whole Civil War. He also had the distinction of being the first Navy officer to implement the concept of complete fleet supplies. During the Civil War, he oversaw the systematic supply of Navy boats on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, which was a huge success. Bridge is the son of a judge and was born in Augusta, Maine. He acquired his early schooling at private schools and Hallowell Academy. Bridge graduated from Bowdoin College in 1825, along classmates Nathaniel Hawthorne and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. According to an 1893 newspaper article, Horatio Bridge's appreciation for Hawthorne's early writings, as well as his faith in this genius, "was responsible for my being an author," in Hawthorne's own words. One of his latter works, The Snow-Image and Other Twice-Told Tales, was dedicated to his friend and sponsor, Horatio Bridge.
