William Drysdale
The Young Supercargo: A Story of the Merchant Marine
"The Young Supercargo: A Story of the Merchant Marine" by William Drysdale is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers around Christopher "Kit" Silburn, a young and ambitious boy who seeks adventure and a better life by venturing to sea as a cabin boy on the steamship "North Cape". This tale captures his journey from homelessness to finding a place aboard the ship, where he learns about responsibility, maturity, and the challenges of maritime life. Kit’s character as a determined and honest boy is likely to resonate with readers who enjoy stories of personal growth against a backdrop of adventure. At the start of the narrative, Kit finds himself in Brooklyn, trying to escape his precarious life as a homeless boy. After a series of misunderstandings with a police officer, he is fortunate enough to be taken under the wing of Captain Griffith of the "North Cape", who offers him a position as a cabin boy. As Kit begins his adventure at sea, he reflects on his background, including his family and the disappearance of his father at sea. The initial chapters effectively set the stage, showcasing Kit's determination and positive outlook amidst adversity, while also introducing readers to the dynamics of life at sea in the late 1800s.