He has seen the crew, when the tempest blew. Drop down from the slippery deck, As he shook the tide, from his glassy side, And sporting mongst ocean and wreck. Sea Song, from the Journal of a Sailor.

The history of whaling embodies the American spirit in its absolute form. Expansion, industrialization, innovation, self-reliance and cultural contrast are all inter-woven in this tale of America's first manufacturing industry and the first opportunities presented to men of color and foreign origin.

While America's native Indians first hunted whales in canoes during the early 17th century, it wasn't until fifty years later that whaling became a organic venture off the shores of Long Island Sound and Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts. A the United States became

A whaleman received no wages. Instead, he received a "lay," which was a consistent share in the proceeds of the voyage. The share awarded depended upon a whaleman's position and work performed. The agent of the ship maintained the controlling interest, and it was not uncommon for profits of $18,000-20,000 to be made in a single voyage. The following implies the average lays aboard New Bedford ships:

Accommodations on board were less than plush. The captain and the ships' mates enjoyed small but comfortable quarters in the stern, or the back of the ship. The crew of 22 to 25 sailors, however, lived in the very bow, or the front of the ship, "before the mast" in the foc's'le (forecastle), where conditions were cramped, dark, smelly, and often unhealthy. The food, which was prepared in the galley, was dull and provided minimal flavor and nutrition. And discipline on board was strictly enforced by the officers of the ship. Under these circumstances and often harsh weather conditions, there is little wonder why rejection was a frequent occurrence.

A "Slop-Chest" containing ready-made clothes, knives, tobacco, and other items, acted as the ships store, where sailors could purchase items against their draw. Often as many as half the crew would end up in debt to the ship after a four-year voyage and would therefore have to immediately sign up for the next voyage. It sometimes took between 3 or 4 voyages before a sailor made any money.

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1768
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)