U.S.S. Essex

"USS Essex" is a fine piece of naval literature that does a strong job of depicting the very beginnings of the United States Navy while also telling the history of this remarkable ship. The USS Essex was the pride and joy of Salem, Massachusetts. Built in 1799 on the finances of hundreds of `subscriptions' (similar to war bonds) by the local citizenry, the Essex came into existence during a time when the nation as a whole was wary of establishing a government run Naval force. The arguments against its establishment were that a standing Navy was symbol of the oppression and tyranny of aggressor nations like France and Britain. In addition, the expense of maintaining such a force would be stressful on the finances of a fledgling nation that was still trying desperately to pay down its Revolutionary War debts. The points in favor of the establishment of a Navy were that American merchant vessels needed protection from aggressive nations, pirates, and the Barbary States of North Africa while conducting trade while also provided a nautical defense of the U.S.' ample Atlantic coastline. At the time of Essex' construction, state run Naval militias were the accepted form of seafaring force. The Quasi-War with revolutionary France and the ongoing struggles with the Barbary States (to say nothing of the War of 1812) began to show to the U.S. government the wisdom of having a naval force.Authors Frances Robotti and James Vescovi have exhaustively searched the history of the Essex, its notable captains and crewmembers, while crafting a thesis that powerfully depicts the U.S. Navy's origin and growth from infancy. The first half of "USS Essex" is a bit more of a general Naval history, rather than a record specific to the Essex. The authors', themselves, concede that the Essex never had the notable confrontations of its more famous brethren like the Bon Homme Richard, USS Constellation, or USS Constitution, or even an infamous demise like the USS Philadelphia. The Essex was present for portions of the conflict with the Barbary States and had an occasional run-in with a British warship. It is necessary to take this broader approach before focusing directly on the Essex in order to frame the Essex' role in the evolution of the United States from disrespected rebellious nation to feared world power. The Essex was home to such famed captains as Edward Preble, William Bainbridge, and the bold and brash David Porter. Prior to the end of its service to the United States, it was also home to midshipman, David Glasgow Farragut, a man who would later go on to become the U.S. Navy's first Admiral and distinguish himself during the Civil War. The authors show how the Essex played an important role in the subduing of the Barbary States. They also demonstrate, with great detail, the Essex' crucial role in wresting sole domination of a Pacific waterways from the British, while under the command of David Porter."USS Essex" is a tremendous read due to the fact t

Very often, fiction just can't keep up with real life. This is the case with USS Essex. This book is about the exploits of a U.S. Navy frigate in the early years of the American Republic, between the Revolution and the War of 1812. In those early years, the other nations of the world from Britain, the world's premier naval power, to the tatterdemalion despotisms of Africa's Barbary coast, regarded the United States as a 98-pound weakling. American ships were routinely boarded, and American sailors routinely kidnapped for ransom. In spite of the frugality and pacifism of early presidents, it became necessary to build a navy to achieve freedom of the seas. The authors do a wonderful job of telling the U.S. Navy's early years using the Essex as a vehicle for that story. The great captains of the Navy's early years are all here, Porter, Preble, Bainbridge, Decatur. There are even portents of future greatness in these pages as well as we see 11-year old Midshipman David Farragut (who was stationed on the Essex in the War of 1812), who would later lead the Union Navy to victory five decades later in the Civil War. The descriptions of naval life and tactics are well-done, and the authors handle the morass of nautical jargon deftly, not permitting the technical details to overwhelm landlubberly readers. The book contains a glossary of naval terms at the end and has maps and illustrations of the key engagements.The history of the ship is thoroughly covered, from its beginnings in volunteerism (the citizens of Salem, Massachussetts used fund-raisers to pay for the ship--just imagine trying to build an aircraft carrier like that!) through its dramatic (and bloody) seafights to its sad and ironic end as a prison hulk used by the British Empire to house Irish prisoners. A quick and satisfying (but by no means simplistic)read.

Although ostensibly about the birth of the U.S. Navy from the perspective of one frigate, this book accomplishes so much more. Robotti and Vescovi not only explore the development of U.S. Naval strategy, they also discuss the growth of U.S. foreign policy, the disputes with the Barbary States, and the causes of the War of 1812. During the U.S.A.'s first hundred years, merchant and military vessels were its representatives to other countries. The U.S.S. Essex certainly represented Amercia in both peace and war, and through this ship, we can see the development of the American presence in the world arena. Vescovi and Robotti also provide revealing glimpses of the daily life of the men who served aboard an early American warship. Thoroughly researched, but briskly written, this book recaptures a way of life long vanished, while tracing the roots of American military and foreign policy.

I found it hard for me to put this book down! The content is great, the writing outstanding. I learned a great deal and it read very quickly.Great work! Highly recommended.

I was very impressed with this thorough yet well written history of the Navy. The USS Essex is a perfect vehicle for telling the story. I applaud Robotti and Vescovi on their accomplishments--fine research, even finer writing. Anyone with an interest in AMerica's fine history will appreciate this book