Hi there. That's a fascinating subject and I wish you the very best with it. I hope to get a chance to read the finished masterpiece!
I wonder if you have ever had the pleasure of reading Herman Melville's early novel, Redburn: His First Voyage which was first published in 1849.
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It tells of a young American from a comfortable home embarking upon a trip across the Atlantic to Liverpool, where his ship, the Highlander, spends some weeks in Princes Dock while he wanders the town and neighbouring countrysiide and describes his experiences in great detail.
I love this book very much and re-read it every couple of years or so. It is, in my view, the finest 19th century evocation of Liverpool, its docks, shipping and seafaring folk you could wish to find. I'm sure it will prove invaluable in your researches.
Even better, you can read the whole thing for free here:
http://books.google.com/books?id=k2j...age&q=&f=false
Good luck!
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