Book excerpt: The year, 1783, as the American Revolution ends, a new nation is born, and a single,small ship makes it's way from the East Coast of the newly independent United States of America to the opposite side of the globe and the lucrative markets of China. Named the Empress of China, this lone American ship braved the unknown seas and ventured to Asia to establish relations with one of the oldest civilizations on Earth. The account of this incredible journey stretches from the luxurious islands of the South Pacific to the icy depths of the Arctic and involves the American Founding Fathers, adventure, riches, betrayal, embezzlement, lawsuits, and war. Return to the 19th century and relive the tale of young Revolutionary War heroes, and personal friends of George Washington, as they embark on one of the first, and most important missions, in American history.