#lorrain is writing of events circa 1807 but i don't have a picture for that early date

[clove-pinks]

John Stobart, Richmond: A View of the City from the Banks of the James River in 1858.

Arriving at the brink of a high hill overlooking the shipping, I suddenly stopped in amazement. I had never seen such a wide-spread sheet of water as the James River presented at that point. It was a sprinkling and windy day, and the water was considerably ruffled. Here I felt my faith giving way; but then I thought, if you falter at this, what will you do in the swellings of the ocean?

— Alfred M. Lorrain sets out to be a sailor in the early 19th century, from his autobiography.

#age of sail #james river #virginia #alfred lorrain #maritime history #richmond #john stobart #sailors #lorrain is writing of events circa 1807 but i don't have a picture for that early date