J. (Joseph) Lamson
Round Cape Horn
Voyage of the Passenger-Ship James W. Paige, from Maine to California in the Year 1852
"Round Cape Horn" by J. Lamson is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The narrative chronicles the voyage of the passenger ship James W. Paige from Maine to California in 1852, depicting the challenges and adventures faced by its passengers during the treacherous journey around Cape Horn. The book highlights the discomforts of sea travel at the time, touching on the lives of the diverse group aboard, which includes men, women, and children, as they navigate various obstacles on their way. The opening portion of the voyage describes the initial conditions aboard the James W. Paige, introducing the ship's setup, the struggles with seasickness, and the notable discomfort caused by the ship's leaks and the bad cooking from the crew. The passengers begin their journey with hope but quickly find themselves enduring terrible weather, including storms and confusion due to the ship's instability. Despite these tribulations, moments of camaraderie emerge, such as shared anecdotes about encounters with sea creatures and practical jokes to lighten the mood, setting the stage for a challenging yet eventful sea voyage.