""Black Ralph Or The Helmsman Of Hurlgate"" is a novel written by J. H. Ingraham. The story is set in the mid-19th century in New York City and follows the adventures of a young sailor named Ralph who becomes the helmsman of the Hurlgate, a ship owned by a wealthy merchant. Ralph is a skilled sailor and quickly rises through the ranks, but he also has a dark secret: he is black. In a time when racism is rampant, Ralph must navigate the treacherous...