120 Years Ago: SEAMEN'S TALE OF CRUELTY- British Sailors Allege Savage Brutality From Officers

Library of Congress ^ | Saturday Sept 19, 1896 | New York Tribune

[luvbach1]

Read ‘Two Years Before the Mast’ - a memoir by the American author Richard Henry Dana, Jr., published in 1840. It was written after a two-year sea voyage from Boston to California he made on a merchant ship starting in 1834. It was instrumental in reforming maritime law.

Good recommendation. It's a classic and an excellent read. Dana was very young when he made his voyage. Memo to CA and San Diego readers, Dana has a good description of old San Diego (now known as the Old Town district)in the 1830s and a 3-day horseback ride through what is now Mission Valley to the first mission in CA, San Diego Mission de Alcala.

[T-Bone Texan]

I forced myself to read 2 Years Before the Mast when young. I also recommend that tome in addition to your recommendation.

[Bull Snipe]

Try reading Herman Melville’s book “White Jacket”. It was his experiences while a seaman onboard the Frigate USS United States in the 1843-44.Some folks say his vivid description of a flogging onboard the ship help to get practice outlawed in the U.S. Navy.