The book "Deck and Port" was written by Walter Colton, a former naval officer in the US Navy. The book is a compilation of stories and insights that Colton had while serving as a sailor and an officer. The subjects in the book span widely, from shipboard life to the ports and towns he visited during his career. Colton gives vivid accounts of life at sea, highlighting the difficulties and hazards that sailors had to deal with every day. Additionally, the book explores the social and cultural aspects of living at various ports throughout the globe, including contact with locals and exposure to other cultures. The book offers a fascinating look into sailor life in the middle of the 19th century as well as a distinctive viewpoint on the history and culture of many ports throughout the globe.
Walter Colton was a 19th-century American naval officer, journalist, and author, best known for his memoir "Deck and Port". Born in 1797 in Rutland, Massachusetts, Colton grew up in a family of modest means. In 1812, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served as a sailor for several years. After leaving the Navy, Colton pursued a career in journalism and eventually settled in Monterey, California, where he became the first American alcalde (mayor) of the city. During his time in Monterey, Colton also served as a judge, a postmaster, and a church leader. In addition to "Deck and Port", Colton wrote several other books, including "Three Years in California" and "The Sea and the Sailor". He was also a prolific journalist, contributing to newspapers and magazines throughout his career. Colton was known for his wit, humor, and keen observational skills, which are evident in his writing.
