Set on the whaling port of Monkshaven, the plot of Sylvia's Lovers unravels the unscrupulous activities of press-gangs. Sylvia's lover is carried off by a press-gang, but writes to her, promising constancy. Unfortunately, the letter is entrusted to Sylvia's cousin, Philip, who keeps it from her in order to marry her himself. Years later Charley returns, and Philip's treachery is discovered, withdisastrous consequences.