Around Cape Horn to Honolulu on the bark "Amy Turner", 1880

Around Cape Horn to Honolulu is written by a young man taking a sea voyage on recommendation of his physician. A journal really, it gives an ongoing account of the captain, and the voyage itself. Cpt Newell makes the transition in the author's eyes from Boston socialite, to depressed, lovelorn suitor, to a disciplined administrator of a vessel, back to the socialite when the ship arrives in the Honolulu harbor. The image of the sailors sprucing up the sails and rigging, swabbing and painting the decks, bathing and washing their clothes and trimming hair and beards before re-entering proper society stays with me years after first reading a carbon copy that my father had given me decades ago when passing along genealogical items of note. It's a good depiction of the times, historically, of seafaring men and the trials they endured while away. It's got plenty of adventure, colorful characters, and even a touch of romance. It's a very engaging read.