 By 1848, Goode was a seaman who had reportedly served as second cook on board the steamer "William J. Pease" and also as a cook aboard the barque "Nancoockee".While in port in Boston, it was known that Goode was friends with Mary Ann Williams who he considered to be his girlfriend although she was married.At the same time, another black seaman, Thomas Harding was friends with Williams and also considered her to be his girlfriend.