Joseph Bates' Logbook of the Brig Empress: An Analysis and Appraisal
In August of 1827 Joseph Bates embarked on the final voyage of his career. Throughout the eleven month trip he kept a daily journal in which he recorded his thoughts and experiences. While little is said about the life of a sea captain, Bates' record provides us with a glimpse into the private, inner man. Bates revealed his affection for the family and friends he left behind; his lack of patience for a crew that failed to see the importance of religion and temperance; his discouragement over trading in South America; and his respect and love for God. Bates' journal, however, is more a testimonial to the intervention of God in his life than a record of the daily happenings on board the brig Empress. Bates could not entirely escape the world in which he lived. The war that broke out between Brazil and Buenos Aires had a significant impact on his voyage. On several occasions he was stopped by privateers and the war effort hampered his ability to quickly sell his cargo. Bates sailed into a diplomatic storm that evolved between the United States and Brazil when several American ships were taken captive allegedly for assisting the enemy. Bates' Logbook is invaluable because it enables us to more clearly understand one of the founders of the Seventh- day Adventist Church, while providing us with some insight into sea life at that time.
Arts and Humanities, History, Bates; Joseph; 1792-1872; Empress (ship)
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