The inspiring true story of America's first humanitarian relief effort: the USS Jamestown's heroic voyage to famine-stricken Ireland
In Voyage of Mercy, Stephen Puleo chronicles the remarkable journey of the USS Jamestown, a converted warship that sailed from Boston to Ireland in 1847, bearing food and supplies for the millions starving during the potato famine. This unprecedented mission, authorized by Congress, launched America's tradition of providing humanitarian aid around the world.
Captain Robert Bennet Forbes and his crew embarked on a voyage of compassion, delivering a lifeline from one nation to another in desperate need. The outpouring of donations from ordinary Americans was unlike anything seen before, transcending social and economic boundaries.
Puleo's well-researched and splendidly written account not only tells the story of the Jamestown, its captain, and the Irish priest who ministered to the starving, but also captures the heart and soul of the mission. It demonstrates how acts of generosity and moral courage can have profound and lasting impacts, shaping international relations and perceptions of the United States as a global leader in times of crisis.
Both a tale of tragedy and a tribute to the best of human nature, Voyage of Mercy is a timely reminder of the power of compassion and the enduring legacy of America's first major humanitarian endeavor.