The nineteenth century was still the age of sail; ships not only crossed the globe but also served much of the country's population by transporting a wide variety of commercial goods and passengers. Port cities (large and small) along the east coast carried on lively domestic and foreign trade, and much of the nation's population lived near the coasts. The sea provided a livelihood for many, but for passengers and crew alike death at sea was a real possibility; in some areas coastal residents occasionally found bodies of unknown men and women washed up on shore. Saying goodbye to a loved one...