The success of his story and the subsequent publication of The Seaman's Friend established Dana's reputation as a writer and a supporter of the fair treatment of sailors.Īfter his long absence, Dana returned to Harvard as a senior and graduated in 1837 with excellent grades and prizes. Dana wrote an account of his trip in 1838 and Two Years Before the Mast was published in 1840. Richard resolved to go to sea as a sailor before the mast: "I can hardly tell which predominated, a desire to cure my eyes, my love of adventure & the attraction of the novelty of a life before the mast, or anxiety to escape from the depressing situation of inactivity & dependence at home."ĭana left Boston Augon the brig Pilgrim, sailed around Cape Horn and along the California coast, and returned two years later on Septemon the Alert. He returned to Harvard and at the end of his sophomore year contracted measles which apparently damaged his eyes. He entered Harvard College but became embroiled in a student rebellion at the end of his second term and was suspended for six months. and Ruth Charlotte (Smith) Dana. He attended schools in Cambridgeport and Westford, MA. was born in Cambridge at 6 Green St., the second child of Richard Henry Dana Sr. Dana rose to fame as the author of Two Years Before the Mast, and spent his legal career advocating for the rights of sailors and the abolition of slavery.
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