Stephen Crane(1871-1900)

His classic short story "The Open Boat" was inspired by an actual experience that occurred while he was a war correspondent. His ship having been sunk, he spent a week with a handful of other survivors in a lifeboat, some of it in rough weather. Most feel that it was during this period that he contracted the tuberculosis that lead to his early death at the age of 28.

[1900, reportedly is last words] Robert - when you come to the hedge - that we must all go over - it isn't so bad. You feel sleepy - and you don't care. Just a little dreamy anxiety - which world you're really in - that's all.