Broadsides offered a common way to mourn tragic loss of life during the nineteenth century. Typically authored as poetry, the works honored the deceased and informed the public about a devastating event. A sea-faring state, many Maine-related tragedy broadsides covered shipwrecks.

This poem reflects on the Schooner Charles, which wrecked off Richmond’s Island near Cape Elizabeth, Maine, on July 12, 1807. Tragically, the ship wrecked just fifty feet from shore. Capt. Jacob Adams attempted to ferry people to shore but drowned in the process. Only eight of the twenty-two passengers survived.

A balladeer (songwriter) and poet, Thomas Shaw (1753-1838) of Standish authored many tragedy broadsides throughout his career.