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 at the start of a voyage came with the recognition that the voyager might not return. Still, the sea could cast a spell of beauty and fascination. It was natural to express one's relationship with the ocean in poetry; the sea was, and still is, a powerful and awe inspiring force of nature. Godey's Lady's Book, begun in 1830 and edited after 1836 by Sarah Josepha Hale, was one of the most popular magazines in nineteenth century America reaching every state and territory. Reading its poetry, authored by both amateurs and professionals, allows us to share in the emotional and intellectual experiences of these Americans in a unique way. This volume contains thirty two poems about the sea and its role in nineteenth century life. Nineteen are from Godey's and five are from Hale's earlier publication, the Ladies' Magazine (1829-1836). "To the Sea" comes to us from poets who lived in an era very different from our own. It is, in some ways, social history through poetry.