Seamen from Salem and Vicinity Impressed by British War Vessels, 1800-1818. ************************************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ************************************************************************ Transcribed by Janice Farnsworth Source: Essex Institute, Historical Collection, Vol XLIX; October 1913. p.321 The following list of impressed seamen is taken from a contemporaneous manu- script which was presented to the Essex Institute in 1881 by George B. Jewett of Salem, Massachusetts. Additional information taken from the files of the Salem Register, March 20 to July 17, 1813, has been appended in the form of footnotes. The Salem Gazette of the same period leaned toward a pro-British policy, and in its issues of March 30 and April 17, 1813, it criticised the accuracy of a number of the impressment records printed by the Register. Biographical matter of interest appears in these supplementary statements, which usually quibble with the main question of fact. Essential differ- ences are here incorporated. Official reports with lists of names and a short summary of the circumstances of each impressment may be found in the Executive Documents of the 8th Congress, 1st session; the 9th Congress, 1st session; the 10th Congress, 1st session; the Executive Reports, 11th Congress, 2nd Session; and 12th Congress, 1st session. Elias Abbott. Impressed and kept two years on board the Franchise, leaving his wife and family in Salem. - Register. Benjamin Archer, taken from Henry Rust, by the Ambuscade, Jenkins, Commander, who tore Archer's Protection to pieces; on his asking him not to do it, he seized Archer by the hair of his head & kicked him headlong upon the deck. (see also Rufus Wilkins). Joseph Arrington, impressed on Grand Bank, kept a short time, ran away, and returned in a Salem vessel. - Register. p.322 Thomas Ashby born in Salem, son of Jonathan Ashby, taken out of Mr. Gray's bark, Jeffrey, Master. Absent several years & has never returned. Said not to have been impressed. Charles Atkinson. Taken from Capt. Cartwright of Newburyport. George Atkinson. Benjamin Bacon. Was on shore in the West Indies, getting water, where he was impressed and kept four years. He was taken by the Spaniards in South America, stripped naked with the rest of his company and driven into the interior of the country, up the river LaPlatte. He was exchanged as an English prisoner, and went on board an English man-of-war, from which he ran away. - Register. Daniel Bacon born in Salem son of Daniel Bacon, now absent & has been 8 years. Taken from Capt. Cartwright of Newburyport. Ship Alexander - Register. Samuel Beckford. Taken from Henry Rust by the Ambuscade, Jenkins, commander. Detained a short time and escaped - Register. Francis Belfrey, Salem. Impressed and kept about three years, ran away, got to New York where he died in the hospital - Register. William Benson, Salem. Eleven years in the service & still is absent. Francis Bersey/Brasey. A Frenchman by birth, lived in Salem, a naturalized citizen, impressed on baord the British ship of war ___, Capt. Whitby; an opportunity offering he swam away, was retaken, and treated most cruelly by Capt. Whitby the Englishman who killed Peirce in the harbour of New York. When he was brought on board, Whitby sent for the doctor of the ship and ordered him to blister Brasey from the neck down to the thighs, adding "I'll prevent you from running away in the future." When the blisters had rendered him very sore, the doctor was ordered to bleed him; he was accordingly bled until he could hardly move - Register. John Bishop, born in Salem, taken out of a fishing schooner on the Grand Bank. Escaped - Register. p.323 Thomas Bragg, Salem man. Zachy Bray, Salem John Brown, of the Lawrence family. Last that he was seen was on board a man-of-war a 74. He informed that 20 Americans were on board the same ship - all impressed. James Byrns, born in Salem. John Callum, son of David Callum, born in Salem, now absent and has been for many years. Joseph Cary of Beverly, mate of Schooner Betsy, John Leach, Master of Salem, impressed from Leach's schooner - by his Majesty's ship, Diligense, detained ten weeks, regained his liberty by swimming ashore. John Chadwick. Timothy Challis, taken out of the Golden Age, of Salem, by the Cambrian Frigate. He belonged to Ipswich. Daniel Chever son of James Chever & brother of James Chever, Jr.; of Salem. Samuel Chever of Salem, told Mrs. Tink that he was impressed when Henry Tink was. Henry Buffum, killed on board an English man of war, fighting with a nation in amity with this country. - Register. (Henry Buffum was in the brig Essex, Capt. Green - belonging to William Orne, Esq. in the year 1790. He ran away from her at Falmouth, England and shipped on board a British man-of-war. - Gazette.) Alexander Buchannan, a Scotchman, married in Salem, has been impressed several years - now on board the Eolus. - Register. George Childs, a young seaman in Salem, was impressed into an English ship, from which he ran away and was again taken; and among other cruel things to punish and retain him, he was branded with the name of the ship. In another attempt to escape, with three or four others, by swimming, they were discovered and fired upon from the ship, and one or two were shot in the water, one failed in swimming, but Childs who was known to be one of the best swimmers, with one other, after being in the water five hours, reached shore and returned home. Soon after, in a voyage to the West Indies, he fell into port with the same ship and in that situation he was drowned by the side of his own vessel. It was supposed by his shipmates that he threw himself over, and that the motive was fear of being again take on board the man-of-war, as he was heard to say that he would choose to drown himself rather than be again taken on board the ship. - Register. Seamen from Salem and Vicinity Impressed by British War Vessels, 1800-1818. Source: Essex Institute, Historical Collection, Vol XLIX; October 1913. Part 2. p.324 Isaac Clark married Robert Perkin's daughter, born in Randolph, Norfolk County; he was whipped three times, two dozen each time; kept 9 weeks on allowance of one biscuit & pint of water each 24 hours; he served them three and a half years, was wounded & finally discharged April, 1812. Taken from the Jane of Norfolk. John Clemmons, impressed. James Cliff of Salem, impressed by Cambrian, kept a short time & discharged. Joseph Cliff, impressed on board the Fox, wounded at Isle France, afterwards taken in an English prize & killed by the Malays after serving four years. Peter Cliff, impressed from the Independence, Capt. Rogers. Joseph Cloutman, son of Joseph Cloutman of Salem. Joseph Coffin, born at Newburyport, impressed from Mr. Grays vessel, by the Red Wing, Usher, commander. William Collet born in New York. impressed May 26, 1797 from the Ship Recovery, Joseph Ropes, Master, by the English Frigate Orpheus. An American with a Protection. Captain observed he had no doubt he was American but he wanted men and would have them. John Coffin born in Newburyport had been a mariner on board the ship Bradford, of Newburyport, stranded on the shores of Lematt - was put on board the schooner, Two Brothers of, and bound to Salem, Glover, Master, by the American Counsul at Alicant. On the 2d of May, 1807, was boarded by his Majesty's brigantine cutter, Redwing. The officer ordered Coffin to make haste, pack up his clothes and get into the boat. Capt. Glover remonstrated with the officer on the inhumanity of adding to the distresses of the unfortunate, and showed him Coffin's protection from the custom house at Newburyport. The officer replied that he had orders to take him and must have him. Capt. Glover, his mate and two of his people, made oath to these facts before the proper authority, on their return to Salem. We believe he has since returned. - Register. David Collum, impressed and detained three years, made an attempt to escape in an open boat, was fired at, forced to return, and was whipped; afterwards was ashore in a boat going after water, ran away, and went on board a Salem vessel where he concealed himself until she was out at sea. The captain thought it imprudent of him, as the British searched every vessel. He returned to his native town and learnt that his mother had died a p.325 short time before, most evidently of grief for the loss of her son, for in her last sickness her conversation was mostly about him - Register. George Conway. Salem. John Conway one of the only sons of the widow Conway - Register. Samuel Conway one of the only sons of the widow Conway - Register. He was impressed on shore at Barbadoes in May, he believed in 1812; on baord an English Brig of war of 18 guns. On his refusing to do duty he was flogged. He had a Protecttion & a certificate which he showed to the Captatin. States this himself. John Curwin who was impressed by the Morgiana, leaving a wife and two children. Upon the declaration of war he refused to fight against his country and after being kept two years was sent away at Halifax. - Register. Morris Curwin of Salem. Was impressed at Lisbon, after fighting the press gang. Got clear through the intervention of a Salem gentleman then at Liston - Register. John Dalton, twice impressed, son of Sarah Dalton. He escaped by swimming. He says in his letter to his mother dated on board the Inflexible, July 21st, "I have been impressed ever since the 26th of March last, having lost my Protection. I have made application to the Consul for my clearance, who in- forms me that I must have a fresh protection from the custom house, with a certificate of your marriage, sent to the Admiral. I am very anxious to return to my own country to see my friends and I hope none of them will ever be so unfortunate as to be in my situation." - Register. Samuel M. Dalton, born at Salem, his mother, now living was the dau. of Capt. Moses; has sent five sets of papers, certificates, etc; has been absent ten years and is still detained on board the Brig, Elk, Capt. Coglan. We have seen five letters from him dated on board different ships. He received "duly authenticated proof" of being an American several times. Evidence of his birth by the Town Clerk, and of his baptism by Dr. Barnard, together with certificates from the principal merchants of Salem, wer sent out five several times; upon their being shown to the Admiral he declared them to be unsatisfactory and finally told Dalton that he should not go, for, said the Admiral, "I do not see any reason why you should not serve his Majesty as well as myself." This case clearly shows the utter falsity of the assertion of Mr. Pickering, that "men are always delivered up on duly authenticated proof." - Register. p.326 Noah Darborn, impressed in 1806 from the Brig Venus, of Penobscot, on board the Grenada, Sloop of War. Kept 16 months & ran away. Impressed again on board Leahoge in 1809 from the ship Argo of Boston, Capt. Peterson. Kept 18 months & ran away. He tore his American Protection which was from the Custom House in Castine. Informed himself. William Dawson, born at Salem, sailed from Boston in a schooner, Capt. Mackay, for Trinity, Martinico. While on shore for the captain, himself & the boats' crew & many other Americans were seized, committed to gaol next day, carried on board the Bula Frigate, Capt. Salisbury; carried to St. Pierries, put on board the Guard Ship with 100 Americans. Then taken on board the Bula again. Next day carried in to Port Royal where he was put on board the ship Boyn, a 98, Admireal Jarvis. Was kept two or three months. Finally escaped by swimming. The other Americans were drafted into different ships. They showed their Protections to the Admiral who treated them with the utmost contempt. They told him they were Americans. He told them he would make good English men of them. Dawson was impressed again, but was released. One other was taken out of the same vessel. John Dorman of Kennebunk, Maine, was impressed near twenty years ago. Gave himself up since the war and was discharged from the Goshawk, a ten gun Brig, and arrived in the ship the Danger. John Dove, impressed a number of years ago and never returned. - Register. He was an apprentice of Marblehead - Gazette. Thomas Driver, detained six years and was then killed or died. Killed on board British ship Goliah - lost an arm during an action with a French ship and died of the wound - Register. He was born in Salem. To be continued Part 3 - p. 327 - Thomas Duckinfield. Transcribed by Janice Farnsworth Seamen from Salem and Vicinity Impressed by British War Vessels, 1800-1813. Source: Essex Institute, Historical Collection, Vol XLIX; October 1913. Part 3 of 12. p.327 Thomas Duckinfield, born at Salem, son of J. Duckinfield. Impressed a number of years ago and never returned. - Register. William Duckinfield, born at Salem, son of J. Duckinfield. Impressed and never returned - Register. Israel Eaton, three years impressed, got clear at Halifax. Impressed in England - Register. A Marblehead man - Gazette. John Eaton, native of Massachusetts, from the schooner Messenger; impressed by the Malampus. Daniel Edy. Born at Salem, impressed by Admiral Jarvis' fleet. Elijah Eldridge, son of Joshua E., impressed out of Bark Pompy at Cadez; escaped by further evidence being furnished that he was born in Salem. Benjamin Elledge, born in Marblehead, lived in Flint's house, Salem. Richard Elledge, born in Marblehead, lived in Flint's house, Salem, taken from Capt. Philip Saunders. Joseph Emerson, cousin to the Shillabors. John Erving, Salem man, 3 years in service, informed Crowninshield himself. John Fairfield, has been detained many years, the last accounts the frigate he was in was missing. A promising young man, impressed twenty years ago. Everything was done for his release to no effect; he is supposed to have perished in an English ship which was cast away on the coast of Sumatra. - Register. John Felt, Salem - escaped. Thomas Fithin, Custom House Protection, Philadelphia. Israel Foster, born in Beverly, impressed from Mr. Gray's schooner Rachel; soon discharged. Joseph Elson, impressed eight or nine years ago, an only son. His fate is unknown. - Register. Edward Durant, impressed and kept five months - ran away up the Mediteranean - Register. p.328 William Foster, born in Beverly; impressed from Capt. William Lander. A William Foster born in Reading, served his time in Salem, pressed and kept 18 mos., from a Salem ship, Capt. Edwards, in Havannah by the Wolf frigate, shifted to the Malabar, ran away from her when lying in Hampton Roads. He had a protection which was torn up - Register (see also Rufus Wilkins). Peter Freeman, formerly lived with Mr. Manning. Impressed 14 years ago. Now detained on board the Dragon, 74. George Friend, Salem. Never heard of after he was impressed. He was an Englishman - was recently seen in Salem - Register. John Fuller, taken from ship Martha, Capt. Prince, born in Salem, still detained. Zena Gadshall, taken from Ben Shellaber, liberated at Norfolk from a captured vessel since the present war. John Gale. Impressed May 31, 1797, from the ship Recovery, Joseph Ropes, Master, by the British frigate Orpheus. An American with Protection. Capt. observed he had no doubt he was American but he wanted men & would have them. footnote: John Gale, born in Maryland, pressed a few days after William Callet, from the same ship of which he was carpenter, in Madras roads, by a lieutenant of a 74 gun ship, Admiral Raucer. The officer observed that he had no doubt that Gale was an American, but his protection was not regular. In the boat that came to press Gale was John Brown of Salem, well known to many on board the Recovery. Brown informed that there were twenty Americans on board the Admiral's ship, all pressed men. Application was mad eot the Admiral for the release of Gale to which he replied that he wanted the man, and should keep him, and that Gale's protection he was told was not regular. He was asked if his officer was to be the sole judge? Yes, said he, and I under- stand the man has wages due him, which must be paid. The wages were demanded and threats that the sails, anchors etc should be taken away unless complied with. The ship, however, went off before the demand was complied with. - Register. p.329 Jonathan Gallaway from the Mary & Eliza, Benjamin Upton, Master, born in Salem. He escaped - Register. William Giddins, a Salem man. Escaped. Has been eight years, his fate unknown. Register. William Glover. Salem, November 1809, at sea from ship Commerce, Capt. McGee; on board the Royal William. Had a protection. Amos Newhall, impressed Nov. 1, 1808 in the Downs from the Alexander. On baord the Antelope. Protection from the Custom House, Salem. Francis Goss. Born at Marblehead, impressed from Welcome Return. footnote: Moses Goss, born at Marblehead; lived in Salem, impressed from the Welcom Return at the Isle of Bourbon, above three years since, by the brig of war, Staunch. He had a protection. Never since heard of. - Register. Joseph Gould son of Nathaniel. Born at Salem. I doubt whether he was impressed. William Greene Eaton, born in Beverly, had been impressed on board of English, man-of-war, twice. Sailed out of Boston; detained short time. Benjamin Hancock, born in Pennsylvania, impressed out of the ship, Jane of New York on board British Sloop of War Echo & treated very ill. Has since been impressed out of the Golden Age, of Salem on board the British frigate Le Dedaneous. John Handley on board the Repulse. 74. R.H. John Hendley taken several years ago by the Repulse from a French vessel, when returning to this country. Still detained. Register. Samuel Gale. Impressed and kept four years. Wrote to his mother from Surrinam, requesting certificates of his nativity. In a letter dated January 13, 1808 to his mother he says, "they say that you heard from me and are concerned for my fate, which makes me very anxious to see you. I was impressed on board an English man-of-war, four years since, was taken by a French frigate, from which I ran away, and got on board an American vessel and have arrived at New York. I am very poor and very sick of a fever." - Register. To be continued Part 4 - p.330. Capt. James Hanscom. Transcribed by Janice Farnsworth Note: This entire report in PDF format is available and freely shared by Toni Feeney http://www.tfeeney.esmartbiz.com/page7.htm Seamen from Salem and Vicinity Impressed by British War Vessels, 1800-1818. Source: Essex Institute, Historical Collection, Vol XLIX; October 1913. Part 4. p.330 Capt. James Hanscom had two men taken from him, both with American Protections, their names not recollected. One of them was born at the south shore and was taken out of the schooner Mary. The other out of the schooner Union of Salem. The boarding officer did not doubt that he was an American. He had a wife and three children. He has never been heard of since. John Harthorne, near Mr. H.'s meeting house, born in Salem. Abel Heaskell was impressed from Capt. Chapman. Jonathan Henfield, a Salem man, escaped (believed not to have been impressed). John Hiers of Danvers, impressed out of a Salem vessel. Samuel Hill, born in Salem, still detained. (mother so states). footnote: Samuel Hill having been detained thirteen years, still absent, his mother has not been able to learn what ship he is on board with. - Register. John Holden, a native of Salem. (see also deposition of William Storey). Jeremiah Holmes, native of Massachusetts, from the schooner Messenger by the Malampus. Rufus Horton impressed twice and escaped both times. Edward Hulin born in Salem, from Capt. Silsbee, who declared to the Captain that Hulin was born within a stones throw of himself. The Captain gave Silsbee to understand if he said much he would take more. Edward Hulin/Hulen taken from a ship in the East Indies commanded by Capt. Nathaniel Silsbee. This ship that impressed him had at the time fifty more than her complement, but her commander ordered his lieutenant to take one at least from every vessel in port. Capt. Silsbee assured the captain that Hulen was born and brought up in his neighborhood, that he had always known him, that he would give a bond in any amount signed by the first merchants in Bombay, to send any documents that the captain might require to prove him to be a native of Salem; that his mother was totally dependent on him for her support. The captain admitted that he was an American, but said, "when a man comes aboard my ship he does not leave it until peace." Register. Jeremiah Kealmer, impressed from the schooner, Messenger by the Melampus. - Register. p.331 Robert Hussey, impressed from Capt. Chapman. Thomas Ingalls, Salem. Escaped. John Johnson was discharged from the Goshawk & arrived in the Ganges after being absent eight years. Michael Johnson taken out of the Betsy of Salem, June 6, 1810 in the North sea, John Florence, Master by the Urgent. James Kelly, mate of the brig Love & Unity. Christopher Kilby lived in Salem, born in Hingham. James Kinsley, impressed from the brig Cynthia, J. H. Andrew, Master; he was born in Salem. (taken from the Cynthia by the Curio - Register) Henry Lambert son of John Lambert of Salem. Louis Langdon a Dane, impressed from the America, December 9, 1799, Joseph Ropes Commander - had a regular Danish Protection. footnote: Lewis Langdon sailed in the ship America in 1809. Two English midshipmen about 16 years old came on board the America and ordered all hands mustered on deck. These young chaps made the examina- tion and selected Langdon who had a regular Dutch Protection. The officer of the American did not suffer them to take Langdon away, but acquainted the captain of the frigate with what had been done. In a short time came a lieutenant from the frigate with a number of men with orders from their Captain to give Langdon up immediately or they would take him by force. They took him and was seen afterwards in Malta. - Register. Samuel Larrabee (twice impressed) Impressed from the brig, Cynthia, J. H. Andrew, Master; born in Salem. footnote: He was detained three years and escaped - Register. Joseph Lawrence, impressed May 3, 1801 at Liverpool on board the Active. John Leach, native of Massachusetts, impressed from the schooner Messenger; impressed by the Malampus. Benjamin Learabee, born in Danvers, still detained & has been many years; has sent repeatedly to his friends for evidence of his birth & citizenship. Had been impressed before & detained 5 years & discharged as an American. Had his discharge with him. p.332 Alfred Little, born in Beverly, impressed from Captain William Lander. Archibald McMillan, married a Daniels in Salem. Many years detained. footnote: Escaped - Register. Daniel McMillan son of John McMillan, deceased, now absent and has been many years. Impressed 1804 - Register. Taken from the ship Rachel of Salem. - Gazette. Evidence of his birth in Salem, furnished several times. William McPherson, son of John McPherson, his mother was named Webb. He was born in Salem, impressed out of a Boston vessel. Was on board the Leopard when she attacked the Chesapeake. He refused to assist in butchering his countrymen and was ordered in irons & afterwards chastized in the most inhumane manner; he escaped by swimming. footnote: His protection was pronounced by the British midshipman to be a forgery and torn up before his face. - Register. Daniel Manning, born in Salem, son of Joseph Mansfield's wife. Detained but a short time. John Manning, son of Richard, born in Salem, detained but a short time. Andrew Mansfield, born in Lynnfield son of Andrew M. Mansfield; married Robert Frost's grandaughter, Sally Gray; taken from Parson's vessel, Boston; was in the battle of the Nile; detained 6 years and 7 months. David Marcell (?) was impressed in the Isle of France, sailed in the Prudent, 1804. The vessel was condemned and he was impressed on shore in 1810, kept two years and seven months. Henry Matthews, Salem, still detained. John Melzard born in Marblehead, impressed out of a Salem vessel 9 years ago & never returned. His brother gives the information. footnote: born in Marblehead, lived in Salem, taken nine years ago and still retained - Register. To be continued - Part 5 - p.333 - Thomas Middick. Transcribed by Janice Farnsworth Note: This entire report in PDF format is available and freely shared by Toni Feeney http://www.tfeeney.esmartbiz.com/page7.htm Seamen from Salem and Vicinity Impressed by British War Vessels, 1800-1818. Source: Essex Institute, Historical Collection, Vol XLIX; October 1913. Part 5 p.333 Thomas Middick, impressed near 9 years ago; still detained. Michael Millington of Cambridge, impressed on board a 74, about eight years since, ran away, was taken, brought back & flogged two or three times, still detained. Was taken from a Boston vessel. Joseph Mire, an inhabitant of Salem. We believe he was a Dane by birth. Taken from the ship Hope at sea, James Barr, Master, 1807, by the Red Wing cutter, Usher, Commander. James Mitchell was impressed from Joseph Ropes in India, at Iranque Bar. footnote: James Mitchell and John Russell of the ship Recovery of Salem, pressed about two months after the above, in Calcutta, both having paper Protections. Application was made to the Hon. Capt. Cook, who would not look at the Protections, neither would he deign to speak to the applicant. Three years after the ship John was boarded near the entrance to Calcutta River, by a boat in which was Mitchell, who plead hard for them to make application for his release - it was done to no effect. - Register. Joseph Molding of Salem, taken 6 or 7 years ago, still detained. Mother living in Salem. James T. More of Salem, has been impressed four times, once in Liverpool, once going up the Channel, & once in North Seas & once in Kingston, Jamaica; on board Sanspirel, 84, Lord Seamons, detained six months and discharged. James Morgan, believe from T. Perkins vessel. James Murry, born in Salem, son of Samuel Murry, cooper. David Newhall, son of David Newhall, born in Salem. George Morgan still detained - Register. (left Salem 13 years ago and went to Philadelphia where he was married. - Gazette. Richard Murray, impressed three times and kept eighteen months at one time. Run away when the English ship was at Halifax. - Register. Amos Newhall, impressed November 1, 1808, in the Downs, from the Alexander, on board the Antelope, had a Protection from the Custom House in Salem. - Register. p.334 John Newhall, brother to David Newhall, born at Salem. footnote: John Newhall impressed and kept on board eleven years. He lost his arm in an engagement with the French and is now in an English Hospital - Register William Owens, born at Salem, been absent several years, now on board a man-of-war. Martin Pain, impressed from Capt. Thomas Perkins' vessel, the brig Cynthia, J. H. Andrew, Master; born in Salem. Impressed by the Curio. - Register. Benjamin Palfray, born in Salem. After being detained many years & making several unsuccessful attempts to escape, in the last attempt he drowned. Thomas Parsons, married a Clark of Salem. Samuel Peabody, son of Samuel Peabody, Salem, killed on board a man-of-war. Taken out brig Sukey, Forrester's vessel. footnote: He was killed on board an American vessel by a fall from the masthead. - Gazette. James Pearson, from Chadwick's vessel. Joseph Pearson, impressed out of the Sally & Betsy of Boston, Joseph Ingersoll, Master. Jonathan Perkins of Salem, taken out of the Golden Age of Salem, by the Cambrian frigate. Nathaniel Perry, born in the United States in Roxbury or thereabouts, and taken from Capt. Bryant of the barque Active of Salem. Samuel Perry, a blackman, native American, taken from Capt. Silver in 1811. William Philley, from Chadwick's vessel. A naturalized citizen. Peter Pitts of Baltimore was discharged and arrived in the Ganges. Jacob Poland, once impressed from the Mary & Eliza, at sea, B. Upton, Master, by the Nymph frigate, detained about one month. When in port found means to get information to the American Consul, who cleared him. Was twice impressed in Malta and afterwards released. They attempted to destroy his Protection. They did destroy Joseph Moulding's and by that means he has been detained to this day, if alive. Jonathan Osborn, impressed, kept eighteen months, ran away in the West Indies where he died - Register. p.335 James Proctor, impressed & flogged & called a "damned Yanky raskell". footnote: He was impressed and presumed to insist that he was an American, for which he was flogged and called a "damned yankee rascal." This is a common appellation which is used almost universally by the British officers. - Register. Samuel Ruck, Salem. Escaped. John Russell, impressed from Joseph Ropes in India, at Iranque Bar. (see James Mitchell) William Russell, impressed and held 8 years. John Sevia, belonged to the Eastward, impressed in Cape Goodhope, brig Eunice, Swett, in 1795. Samuel Shepard, impressed from the brig, Cynthia, J. H. Andrew, Master; born in Salem. footnotes: Samuel Shepard, son of Jeremiah Shepard, impressed and detained more than a year, and was finally discharged, after great exertions on the part of his friends in Salem. Mr. Shepard was impressed at sea from brig Cynthia together with three other Americans, all having Protections - Register. Peter Shillaber, impressed and kept five years; escaped - Register. William Sleuman, Salem - escaped. William Strong, born in Marblehead but had lived in Salem with his mother eight years. He is now about twenty years of age. He sailed from Salem in the brig Betsy, Ropes, and was impressed in Trinidad and kept on baord the English brig Martha; from this vessel he was shifted to the Winger man-of-war. In a letter dated August 3rd, 1810, he says, "Dear mother, I inform you that I have had the bad fortune to be impressed on board the brig Martha and am now on board the Swinger man-of-war." Here he stayed seven months and got clear by swimming five miles. Two other Americans attempted to escape at the same time by swimming, one of whom was drowned. Strong and his companion got on shore almost exhausted, and was met by a negro, who threatened to carry them back and said he would carry them to his Majesty. The negro making the attempt to seize them, and they finding that life or death was in their own hands, Strong took out his jack-knife and killed the negro and set off for the woods. A year or two after he was again impressed and put on board another man-of-war, from which he also ran away. He was impressed and ran away eleven times. He once ran away with an Englishman and were both taken, tried for their lives and condemned to be hanged. The rope was put round their necks, the cap pulled over their eyes, the gun was fired, and his companion was hauled up to the yard arm, but Strong had received a pardon. From the frigate he was removed to the prison on shore and kept several days, and put on board another man-of-war from which he ran away. He was taken again and on account of a sore leg was discharged in a foreign country, totally destitute and was obliged to ship on board the United States, Commodore Decatur, and arrived in the Unite States. It is to be wished that the Americans who find the press-gang on board to take them from their ships - would use a dirk in their own defence. A few such instances would deter the rascals from coming on board. - Register. p.336 George Slator who married in Tewksbury; on board of Unity frigate. footnote: He lived in Salem, impressed twelve or fourteen years ago by the Unity frigate; still absent. James Smith, Salem. Impressed 9 years ago, still detained. Thomas Smith, born in Salem, detained seven years, escaped by swimming from a frigate in Plymouth; was once ketched, carried back and flogged through the fleet. Joseph L. Lee brought him home and gave this information. Gracious God! Daniel Smothers, impressed on board the Ned. See his letter to his mother. Benjamin Sutton, impressed by the Squirrel, a 20 gun ship in Kingston, Jamaica. William Swaney, taken out of the Betsy of Salem, June 6, 1810 in the North Sea, John Florence, Master, by the Urgent. Benjamin Swasey, Salem man. Richard Swasey has been impressed three times and has been on board seven of their vessels - still absent - Register. Richard Swasey, Jr. William Smith, escaped by swimming. To be continued Part 6 - p.337 - Francis Symonds son of Jonathan born at Salem. Transcribed by Janice Farnsworth Seamen from Salem and Vicinity Impressed by British War Vessels, 1800-1818. Source: Essex Institute, Historical Collection, Vol XLIX; October 1913. Part 6. p.337 Francis Symonds born in Salem, son of Jonathan, taken out of a fishing schooner, impressed on Grand Bank, got clear at Halifax. It is but two or three years since, that a Salem fishing boat went down to Halifax, as a cartel in time of peace, to bring up sixteen men belonging to Marblehead and Beverly, which had been taken from our fishing vessels on Grand Bank. The Salem men were all absent or had run away. - Register. James Symonds, impressed in Liverpool, papers sent on to Mr. Lyman who says in his letter that he cannot be released because the Lords of the Admiralty say that they have legal evidence of his being an Englishman - Register. Joseph Symonds, castawasy in Christiansand, went to Liverpool in England where he was impressed on the 21st of February, 1809; he had a regular Protection. He was not able to obtain his discharge from Mr. Maury, the American Consul at Liverpool. Mr. Lyman, our consul at London, demanded his release also from the Lords of the Admiralty, who gave answer that they had legal evidence of his being a Welchman, and that he should not be discharged. He was shifted to several vessels, and a favourable opportunity offering, he made his escape and got on board an American vessel. Search was made and the British officer carried him back, where he was whipped in a manner scarcely ever surpassed for cruelty. In 1812 he received his discharge - Register. Francis Talbert, in a letter to his father dated on board the Bellerophon, June 16, 1911, he says, "I have wrote several letters to you dear father, these five years past and have never received and answer from you, which makes me think you have en- tirely forgotten me. I have lost my Protection, and was impressed on board and English man-of-war, where I have remained ever since; so dear father I hope you will use your utmost endeavors with Mr. George Lee, towards getting me clear." In a post- script he informs his father that he goes by the name of Francis Thomas. We understand that it is a very common practice for the British officers to change the names of the impressed Americans; two of our respectable townsmen who have been impressed, had their names altered and entered on the muster-roll, and from them we learn this piece of villainous policy. - Register. p.338 Robert Tatum impressed 4 years ago & still detained. Born in Salem. Sela Thomas of Boston, impressed by the Polyphemus. Andrew Thompson, Salem. Escaped. Benjamin P. Thompson, born in Marblehead, taken from the ship, Exetor, belonging to Mr. Derby, Salem. Impressed aboard the Princess Frigate, a Guard Ship. Was dis- charged in about a week; had a Protection; they swore he was an English man. George L. Thompson, born in Hartford, Connecticut, lost his right leg in an action with a French frigate, then was discharged. Sailed out of Salem with William Lander. Has never returned. William Thompson, married a Tucker; born in Salem; impressed on board the Princess. Thomas Thornton, taken from ship Martha, Capt. Prince; born in Salem, still detained. Took the deposition of Thornton's sister to the fact & that the last heard of him he was on board the Thunderer. Cornelius Tilton of Martha's Vineyard, impressed by the Polyphemus. Henry Tink. Born in Salem. Samuel Tink. Born in Salem. Alfred Tittle - see Wilkins. Daniel Tuck, born in Beverly, served his time in Salem with William Safford, baker. Samuel Tuck, born in Beverly - Impressed from Mr. Gray's schooner, Rachel. Run away. Only sons of Mr. Tink - still detained, leaving the mother without this necessary support - Register. Henry Tink, son of Thomas Tink, sailed in 1806 in the ship Traveller, Ward, Master, for India - Gazette. p.339 Impressed by British War Vessels. John Underwood, born in Salem. Jacob Crowninshield & others got him clear in New York. Joseph Upton, son of Paul Upton, born in Salem, escaped by swimming. Impressed in 1810 by the Spitfire - the officer destroyed the Protection - kept 18 months. - Register. Benjamin Vanderford, impressed from the Liberty, Lambert. Served 8 years, discharged since the war. James Vent, born in the United States, taken from Capt. Bryant of the barque Active of Salem. Kept a considerable time, got clear by the intervention of a Salem captain, who happened to meet with him abroad. - Register. Ephraim Very, son of E. Very, born in Salem. Died shortly after his impressment of grief. James Viley, impressed out of the Sally & Betsy, of Boston, Joseph Ingersoll, Master. Thomas Vincent, son of Joseph Vincent, born in Salem. Benjamin Webb son of B. Webb, born in Salem, impressed 7 years since. Heard of him three years ago from onboard the Isis, not returned. - Register. Thomas Webb, son of Benjamin Webb. Valentine Webb. Salem. James West - do not know. Joseph West, born in Beverly, impressed from Capt. Thomas Perkins' vessel, William & Charles. Daniel Very, born in Danvers, taken from the ship Hazard in the year 1805 and kept about four months. The English captain told him he would never release him, for he was a good seaman and worth keeping. He escaped by swimming a mile and a half. Thomas Whiddick, impressed thirteen years ago, the only son of Mrs. Whiddick, who is now in the almshouse. She attempted to relate the circumstances, but could only add, "poor Tom, it was his first voyage - I tried to dissuade him from going, I shall never see him more. Register. To be continued Part 7 - p. 340 - John Whipple from brig Humbird. Transcribed by Janice Farnsworth Seamen from Salem and Vicinity Impressed by British War Vessels, 1800-1818. Source: Essex Institute, Historical Collection, Vol XLIX; October 1913. Part 7. p.340 John Whipple from the Brig, Humbird, in Malta, seven years since; evidence of his being an American sent out three times: still absent. Ebenezer Whitefoot, born in Salem, never returned, impressed many years since. footnote: Detained three years. Sailed from Beverly in the brig, Rambler, Thorndike (Beverly) Master - Gazette. Ebenezer Whitefoot, Jun'r. Salem born, impressed in Calcutta, detained 3 years. Escaped by swimming, was in the water five hours. Rufus Wilkins, born in Salem, son of Reuben, taken by the Crescent frigate, Capt. Carthew. footnote: Rufus Wilkins, Benjamin Archer, Alfred Tittle and William Foster, sailed from Salem in the ship Mary, Capt. Lander, which ship was cast away on the coast of Holland; they took passage on board a New Bed- ford vessel for home - she was met at sea by the British frigate Crescent and all the above were impressed, notwithstanding they had Protection. Wilkins and Archer were not detained long - but Foster and Tittle, two very worthy young men belonging to Beverly, were detained 18 months, notwithstanding proof of their nativity was immediately and repeatedly forwarded. - Register. John Willson, born in Salem, absent many years, supposed to be dead. Also: Charles Burhill Daniel Boardman Edward Dalton John Davidson William Green Eaton Holten Fowler Timothy Gillis Joseph Henderson John Keefe John Newton Nathaniel Perry William Queirs William Rhodes John Smothers Joseph Spencer Obed Thomas Samuel Webb John Ward. We have heard the names of a considerable number of others, but not being taken down at the time, they are forgotten. Those who know of the impressment of any American Seamen from the town whose names have not yet been given in our list are requested to give information at this office. In the year 1794, five men were taken from the boats of the ship, Henry of Salem, Capt. Gibaut, while sweeping p.341 for an anchor in Table Bay. Several days afterwards the Henry was taken possession of by officers of the English ship, while getting under way for America, and de- tained until Capt. Gibaut paid the wages of the men. Three years afterwards one of these men was seen at Tranquebar, and informed that he was the only one of the five the five then living. - Salem Register. IMPRESSED SEAMEN. Capt. Jeduthan Upton, Jr. (late commander of the Private armed brig, Hunter) who arrived from England in the cutter Admittance, has furnished us with the following list of American Seamen on board the British Prison ship, San Antonio, of Chatham, who had been impressed into the British service and have been delivered up from British ships, as prisoners, since the war. These unfortunate men, who have been discharged from impressment and thrown into Prison, requested Capt. Upton to publish this list, that their friends in the United States might be acquainted with their fate. Besides these, there were on board the other Chatham Prison ships, 320 Americans dis- charged in a like manner and an immense number on board the Prison ships at Portsmouth and other places in England. Four Hundred Americans were discharged from the Toulon Blockading fleet alone. Notwithstanding the great number given up, it will be seen by the following list that a still greater number were left on board the ships from which they were discharged. To be continued Part 8 - p. 341 cont'd. - listing impressed seamen - list is massive. Transcribed by Janice Farnsworth Note: This entire report in PDF format is available and freely shared by Toni Feeney http://www.tfeeney.esmartbiz.com/page7.htm Seamen from Salem and Vicinity Impressed by British War Vessels, 1800-1818. Source: Essex Institute, Historical Collection, Vol XLIX; October 1913. Part 8. IMPRESSED SEAMEN p.341 LIST. NAMES NATIVITY SHIPS LEFT NO. YEARS NO. Mos. LEFT. Levi Oar New York Ruby. 10 yr. 1 Charles Pardit New Orleans Orion. 3 yr. 6 m. 3 Edward Robinson Maryland R. William 1 yr. 6 m. 18 John Barnard Virginia Polyphemus 3 yr. 6 John D. Kirk New York Implacable 7 0 John Ball Rhode Island Argo 8 7 Andrew Mellson Rhode Island Argo 1 William Prince New York Ceres 4 2 p.342 George Nellom Philadelphia Ceres 5 James Magrah New York R. William 1 6 John Boyd Massachusetts Le Loir 4 5 Elijah Armstrong Maryland Victory 8 0 Ezra Knight Massachusetts Victory 6 0 Timo. Stanwood Massachusetts Aboukir 3 8 Daniel Davis Massachusetts Aboukir 3 Asa Pendleton Massachusetts Aboukir 3 John Nichols Massachusetts Aboukir 3 Samuel Johnson Rhode Island Viego 5 7 William Golliver Massachusetts Viego 2 Jona Ludlow Massachusetts Viego 2 Tobias Carline New York Orion 8 6 Jona Coleman New Jersey Orion 1 yr. 6 mos. Joseph Williams Massachusetts Comet 4 2 Lewis Mulden Virginia Comet 1 yr. 6 mos. Samuel Wright Rhode Island Comet 1 yr. 6 mos. William Gunnil New York Romulus 2 2 James Buntin Philadelphia Romulus 4 James Turnbolt Carolina Romulus 4 Oliver Johnson Massachusetts Romulus 4 Henry Stags Massachusetts Romulus 2 Joseph Thomas Massachusetts Romulus 1 John Nald New York Pomona 1 yr. 6 mos. 0 Gideon Raymond New Orleans Argo 5 yr. 6 mos. 0 Charles Gray Maryland Salvador 15 0 James Marfold New Hampshire Salvador 15 0 Daniel Corben Philadelphia Salvador 15 0 Joshua Anderson Maryland Salvador 15 0 Asa Buddington Carolina Stag 15 0 Robert Roberts New York Stag 1 yr. 6 mos. 3 John Wright Virginia Stag 6 John Ferguson Massachusetts Tyger 2 14 Peter Mills New Orleans Tyger 2 Emerson Clark New York Tyger 2 John Rose Massachusetts Doris 5 7 Edward Robbins Massachusetts Elephant 10 yr. 6 mos. 3 Jesse Connor Virginia Partridge 5 1 John Bogart New York Implacable 3 John Thompson Massachusetts Aveus 13 0 James Carver New York Ulysses 5 5 W. Whitman Massachusetts Salvador 1 Richard Carr Carolina Salvador 1 John Barer Massachusetts G. Phoenix 14 1 To be continued Part 9 - p.343 - Impressed by British War Vessels. Transcribed by Janice Farnsworth Seamen from Salem and Vicinity Impressed by British War Vessels, 1800-1818. Source: Essex Institute, Historical Collection, Vol XLIX; October 1913. Part 9 p.343 William Riley New Jersey Circe 5 4 David Cutter Massachusetts Salvador 1 0 John Dustin Maryland Dedham 2 0 John Mills New Hampshire Belle Poole 1 yr. 6m. 3 William Perkins New Hampshire Belle Poole 1 yr. 6m. Jos. Commacy Massachusetts New Jersey 1 yr. 6m. 0 Edward Price Maryland Circe 1 1 Jacob Evans New York Mars 3 0 Amos Beane Massachusetts Mars 2 Peter Henry New York Mars 2 Samuel Dilton New Jersey Mars 2 Andrew Wolfe Maryland Mars 8 Thomas Landers Virginia Mars 2 Thomas Courtiss Massachusetts Mars 8 John Burnett Massachusetts Mars 8 Henry Tink Massachusetts Pembroke 4 9 Wm. Fillebrown Massachusetts Cresy 1 yr. 6m. 3 Henry Perkins Massachusetts Cresy 1 yr. 6m. Joseph Williams Vermont Cresy 1 yr. 6m. George Butler Maryland Cresy 1 yr. 6m. William Nuns Philadelphia Barrosa 6 0 John S. Thomas Virginia Midon 4 0 William Smith New York Doris 4 yr. 6mo. 7 George Davis New York Salvador 1 0 Joseph Williams Rhode Island Comet 2 0 Jos. Benjamin Pennsylvania Antelope 7 1 James Barret Massachusetts Albicore 2 yr. 6mo. 2 David Burnham Massachusetts Albicore 2 yr. 6mo Prince Francis Massachusetts Albicore 5 John Best New York - dead in Prison, Portsmouth - Albicore 7yr Fred Johnson Connecticut Antelope 15 0 Thomas Gilbert New York Antelope 4 0 Benj. Church Rhode Island Victory 5 0 Peter Patterson Philadelphia Victory 4yr. 6m. Freeman Call Massachusetts LaHogue 3 0 James M'Donald New York Tweed 10 0 John Horsman Maryland LaHogue 3 0 Russell Brama Connecticut LaHogue 1yr. 6m. Ephraim Pardit Vermont LaHogue 3 York Duntin New Jersey LaHogue 6 Jeremiah Muss New Jersey LaHogue 3 0 James Burk New Hampshire Jason 1yr. 6m. 1 John Martin Massachusetts Rosamond 1yr. 6m. 2 p.344 SEAMEN FROM SALEM AND VICINITY IMPRESSED. Benjamin Robinson Massachusetts Royal Wm. 6 0 William Lubner Massachusetts Royal Wm. 6 0 Thomas Booth Maryland LaHogue 3 0 John Abbott Maryland LaHogue 3 Henry Mitchel Maryland LaHogue 3 John Rice Maryland LaHogue 3 Wm. Johnson Massachusetts Antelope 12 0 William Denham Massachusetts LaHogue 10 Thomas Mitchel Massachusetts Salvador 2 0 Jos. Anderson Maryland Rodney 8 5 John Wright Virginia Mars 3 0 Benjamin Ball New Hampshire Victory 8 0 Benjamin Church Rhode Island Victory 5 John Pool Maryland Java 5 0 John Davis Philadelphia Pherus 6 Wm. Scribner Connecticut Pherus 7 James Williams Pennsylvania Pherus 2 Sison Smith New York Pherus 1 Daniel Simmonds Philadelphia Salvador 1yr. 6m. 0 Wm. Sanderson Maryland Christian 7th 1yr 17 William Davis Maryland Desiree 2 0 William Hogan Maryland Desiree 10 James Lathrope Massachusetts Polyphemus 1 0 John Hadley New York R. William 1 0 William Carney Delaware Alfred 8 0 Lewis Leicester Virginia Ulysses 5 0 Morris Little Maryland Ulysses 9 Wright Church New York Ulysses 7 Freeman Marsh New York Ulysses 7 William Brown Connecticut Ulysses 6 0 John Covel Massachusetts LaHogue 1yr. 6m. 0 John Dunstan Rhode Island Trinklon 1 0 SALEM REGISTER, JULY 17, 1813. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The following narrative of one of the above impressed Americans will shew not only the disgraceful manner in which they have been forcibly dragged into a foreign service, but the cruel treatment they received in consequence of refusing to fight against their own country. To be continued, Part 10 - p. 345 - John Nichols, a native of Durham, Massachusetts. Transcribed by Janice Farnsworth Note: This entire report in PDF format is available and freely shared by Toni Feeney http://www.tfeeney.esmartbiz.com/page7.htm Seamen from Salem and Vicinity Impressed by British War Vessels, 1800-1818. Source: Essex Institute, Historical Collection, Vol XLIX; October 1913. Part 10 p.345 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The following narrative of one of the above impressed Americans will shew not only the disgraceful manner in which they have been forcibly dragged into a foreign service, but the cruel treatment they received in consequence of refusing to fight against their own country. I, John Nichols, a native of Durham, State of Massachusetts, relate and say, that I sailed from Portland in the ship Franklin, commanded by James Marks, as Chief Mate, bound for Liverpool, where we arrive the 7th day of February, 1810. The same day I was taken by a press gang, coming from my boarding house to the ship, and carried by them to the rendezvous, Cooper's Row, and detained one night. The next morning I gave the Lieutenant my Protection, and at the same time stated to them that I was Chief Mate of the ship; also Capt. Marks and Mr. Porter, supercargo, came and were refused ad- mittance. I then asked the lieutenant for my Protection; he answered "I will give it to you with a hell to it," and immediately tore it up before my face and sent me on board the Guard Ship, Princess, where I remained one week, and then was sent round to Plymouth on board the Salvador guard ship; remained there one month, after which I was drafted on board the Aboukir 74, where I remained three years and fourteen days, in which time I was stationed on board a gun boat and was in the grand battle between the Russians and the French in the month of June, 1812. Also, in the meantime I wrote to my father in Durham a great number of times and received a number of answers, with a Protection - The American Consul then applied for my discharge, which was granted, as I understand, but kept from me util the war broke out. I then determined to give myself up as a prisoner of war, let the consequence be what it would. Consequently on the 28th of October, I went to the Captain and gave myself up as a prisoner of war, and refused to do any more duty. Then he told me I was an Englishman, and if I would not do duty he would flog me - and ordered me in Irons and kept me in irons 24 hours, after which I was taken to the gangway and received one dozen with the cat on my bare back. The captain then asked me if I would go to duty and I told him no - I would sooner die first. He then put me in irons again for 24 hours and once more brought me to the gangway and received as before, with the same questions and answer as preceded; and the same was repeated four days successively, and I received four dozen on my naked back. After the fourth day I was a prisoner-at-large. The 26th of December I was sent to prison without my clothes, they being refused me by the Captain. p.346 SEAMEN FROM SALEM The Captain, after abusing me in the most insulting manner, and all I ever received for my servitude was fourteen pounds - during the impressment I have used my best endeavours to escape. John Nichols. Witness: Jed. Upton Salem Register, July 17, 1813. End transcription by Janice Farnsworth