To add to KateG's post, the last two great fleets of square-rigged ships carrying cargo were the grain ships going from Europe to Australia (1938, and '39 were the last two voyages), and the salmon ships going from California to Alaska, up until the Alaska Packers Association switched to steam in 1930.

If you choose or just have time for only a few of all the books mentioned, I'll second Lancsdlad's motion for Alan Villiers and Dana, and KateG's for Chapelle. Villiers is a particularly good read.

Another account, though a modern one, is Eric Newby, The Last Grain Race. Though Newby is later than the period your covering, asnd Dana before it, both books give you great accounts of shipboard life on a square-rigger. Some things don't change that much.

Chanteyranger

Chanteyranger