Abstract
The American sea narratives are seldom read by the Brazilian historiography. These narratives, composed by diaries, memoirs and fiction common seamen and officers (such as Herman Melville and virtually unknown men), tell us about their experiences in the Empire of Brazil mainly in the first half of nineteenth century, when the age of sail came to an end. This article deals with their experiences in the port of Rio de Janeiro, trying to demonstrate how the North American presence was intense and narrated. These types of testimonials are important sources for the history of the city and for the inclusion of Rio de Janeiro in international maritime history as one of the most important scales in long-haul routes in the period.
Keywords:
sea narratives; American seamen; Empire of Brazil; Ports; Rio de Janeiro; XIXth century