Elijah Cobb (continued 2)

By the pilot, I wrote my Owners, informing them of my running away from the Embargo, & then proceeded on for Cadiz, & carraied to that port the first news of the Embargo.

Flour was selling, on my arrival at $16.00 but in consequence of the Embargo, & the war then rageing in that vicinity, the flour holders had a meeting, & agreed to raise the price of Flour to $20.00.—& finally, altho” I waited some time I obtained that price for my Cargo.—

Soon after my arrival, I rec^d. a letter, by a vessell under Sweedish colours, adviseing me to bring home money, providing there was liberty to export it; & finding, upon enquiry, that was the case, I immediately took out a license from the custom house, to export $72,000, having funds here, of last voyage,—but before I got ready to sail I heard of the repeal of the orders in Council, & allso, of the Milan & Berlin decrees, & beleiving this would have a favourable effect, to America, in our Exchanges, & finding I cou’d buy British government Bills, at a great discount, I concluded to give up my Licinse, & remitt my money to England,—(I mention this circomstance to shew, how fortunate it was—as I was captured, on my return, if the Monney had been on board, we shou’d have lost it.—The day before I sailed I dine’d in a large party, at the american consul, & it being mention’d that I was to sail the next day, I was congratulated, by a British officer, upon the safety of our Flagg.—well” I tho^t. the same, when at the same time, the War between England & America was then rageing.

Spoken off the Grand Banks

I sail’d from Cadiz, the 5^th. day of July 1812 bound for Boston, & I never felt myself saffer, on account of enemies on the high seas,—I had just entered upon the eastern edge of the grand Bank—at day light, of the morn” of the 17^th I went on deck; we had a light breeze of wind from the north, with all sails sett, that would draw, in casting my Eye to windward, I saw a sail, to appearance, bearing down directly for us—not having spoken any thing, I told the mate, to back the maim yard & would speak her, we accordingly did; & at sunrise I ordered the Insign hoisted, at the Mizen peak; no sooner were our colours up, than his went up in the smoke of a gun, I saw that she was a Schooner, under English colours, & that she was armed; but did not alarm me, I continu^d. to lay by, she run down across^t. my stern, with the usual hail, of, where from, where bound, how long out, &c &c—& he concluded from my replys that I did not know that war existed; he said to me, very mildly, I will thank you to continue laying by, & I will send my boat on board—Seeing she was a cutter Schooner with 10 brass Guns, I, of course, acquiesed, & her boat came on board, with two petty officers, rowed by only two men—One of the officers requested me to go on board the cutter with my papers; well” I asked the 2 officers below, while I shifted myself and got my papers; while I was in my statroom, one of them, says to me, Cap^t, ‘what cargo did you carry to Cadiz? Flour,’ you got a good price, I presume Yes,’ said I—got Cash on board I suppose? No, said I, I remitted my money, to England,’ well,” said he, You’ve a fine ship here! Yes, toloble—what,” said he do you think she’s worth—this question, roused my curiocity, I step’d to the door of the Stateroom, & looking the man in the face, said to him, have you an Idea of buying, or taking the ship, Oh, said he, Captain, you’l excuse our inquisitiveness, it was without meaning.—When I was ready, one of the officers went in the boat with me, & the other, remained on board the ship—I was received on board the cutter, & conducted into the cabin, to the Cap^t.,—he received my papers, & looking them over, ask’d, if I had not a Clearance from Cadiz; I told him I had, but, I did not [know] it wou’d be required, & I had not bro^t. it, well,” said he, I must have it; if you’l send your boat Sir, I will go & look it up, I think its in my writing desk,—well,” said he, send for your desk, I told him I was unwilling to do that, as it contained papers of consequence to me, & by accident it might be droped overboad—oh said he, I’ll make good all damages, you must send for it. well,” I wrote a line to the mate, to send my. W. Desk, it was brought into the cutters cabin, & having my keys in my pocket, I open’d it, & soon found the paper required,—my writing standing upon the Table open, & the officers standing round, they began looking at papers, among them, was a small bundle of letters directed to the Commissary Gen^l.on the Quebec Station, they open’d it, & broke the seal of one of the letters—; upon which I look’d at the Cap^t., & observ’d, that this was treatment which I had not anticipated, from the British flagg; the Capt observ’d, you must submitt, we will explain ourselves bye. & bye about this time, the word came from the decks, a Strange sail in sight, & the Capt, drop’d the paper from hands, & run on deck.—I set still & look’d at the officers, overhawling, & deranging my papers in my writing desk.—after a while the Capt came down below; & said to me, Captain; you have expressed some surprise at our investigation, at which, I am not at all supprised, for I find, you are ignorant of a fact, which will justify, our proceedings with you, We are at War with America—now Sir, said I I beleive you are disposed to tantalize, for I do not beleive it.—Well,” Sir, said he, we will not alticate upon this subject; & he step’d to a desk took out a newspaper, & pointed me to the declaration of War, & danced on deck again, to look at the Strange sail.—the paper that he handed me, was an American paper, only 12 days old—after reading the declaration of war, I look’d it over for other news, untill the Capt came down.—He then said to me, well Sir, what think ye now—I told him, I was satisfied, as to war, but, I shou’d like to know now, whether I was to be hung, or drounded.

On Board the Cutter

He smilling said, “well,” I beleive nither, by me.—I will now, said he, explain to you the reasons, for our conduct toward you; I am said he—from Halifax, bound to England with dispatches for Gov^t., I cannot take you, not having men to man you, if I had found money on board I shou’d have taken it out, & have put one man on board, that might not be call’d piricy & have let you have taken your chance—but as it is you can take charge of your ship, & do the best you can—the sail coming down, is an American Frigate, & if I can keep out the reach of her guns, I do not fear her heals, & the sooner you go on board the better—as soon, as you please, said I—& I crow[d]ed some of my papers into my Desk, & tied some up in a hankerchief, & thus went into the boat & was set on board my own ship again.—When I got on my Ships deck, the Frigate was so near that she cou’d easyly have sent a shot over me, & coming down will all sail set, & an American Insign at her Mizin peak.—altho I was confidant, she was an English Frigate; still, being compleatly within the reach of her guns, & my ships sails all taken, I had only to lay still & take it.

The Frigate

The Frigate was down, in a few minuits & the boats was manned, & came on board, under the command of an officer, in an american uniform.—the usual questions, of, where from, where bound, how long out &c &c, were ask’d, & ansered; when he thus interogated me, are you not in fear of being taken, No Sir, said I, for I think I am already taken, what’. said he, by one of your own Frigates; no,’ said I, that is not an american Frigate, nither Sir, are you intitled to wear that Button. Well,” said he, you are about right.—that is His Britianic majistys Frigate, the Jason, & to her, you are a prize.—now, said he, what have you on board for Cargo; sand Ballast, said I, what, did [you] cary to Cadiz, Flour, did it sell yes, it Brought $20.00 p^r Barrel.—Oh, you’ve Cash on board said he, No, said I, I remitted the proceeds of my cargo to London, & I have my thirds of exchange, to satisfy you.—well,” said he, you have a fine ship here; what will you give for her, & we give you, a clear passport into Boston.—after a little reflection, I name’d $5000.00 well,” said he, give us the money; Oh, I thank you said I, if it was on board, you wou’d take it without asking me.—I will give you a draft on London.—no, said he, the cash, or we burn the ship.—well said I, you’l not burn me, in her I hope,—oh, no, you may give orders for your men to pick up their duds, & we will carry them on board the Frigate.—You will remain on board & select yourself a servant, from your crew, the ship is too good to Burn.—I accordingly selected my Nephew, E. C. Crosby, to remain with me, my mates & crew, were all carraied on board the Frigate,—After a while, the pinnace was sent with special orders for me to come on board the Frigate.—well,” I went on Board, was received at the Ganway, by a Leut^t., & conducted into the Cabin, to the captain, he, with his officers, were then sitting at the dinner table, I was place’d in a chair by his side, & offered a glass of wine; after which; he, the cap^t., said to me! what D—d rascal put your papers in that situation, for they were sent to him, as I took them from the cutter, open letters &c,—why”, Sir said I; that D—d rascal, as you are pleas’d to call him, was Leutenant Jones, commanding his Majesties cutter the Alphea; why,” said he, he’s broke the Kings Seal, I’ll have the fellow hung,” well Sir, said I, you can do as you please, with your own subjects.—he then said [to] me,” I am satisfied, on examination of your papers, that you have not money on board, as a return cargo, but I shall now ask you a question, which it will be, for your Interest, to answer candidly, well Sir, I shall judge better, when I hear the question,! have you money on board, on your own private account; without hesitation, I answer’d Yes, how much said he, about $2000, … it is safe, We, as yet, respect private property, when it does not exceed $3000.; more than that; we think is smugled.—

The King’s Seal

finally, he observed; your officers & men, now on board here, shall fare, as we do, & we are 6 on 4. well, Sir, we have abundant provisions on board the prise, if you’l permit, I’l send some by the boat that returns with me; certainly said he, & it shall be kept for them exclusively, while they are on board this ship,—I have put a prise master & crew on board your ship, & ordered her for S^t. Johns; & I shall visit that coast, in 8 or 10 days, & will then, send up your officers & crew, I will now send you on board, I have charged the prise master, not to intefere with,” but, to conform to, your regulations, in your Cabin, &c &c.

A Prisoner of War

I return’d on board, & we made sail for S^t. Johns as ordered;—I found the prise Master a very pleasant man, & all things went on pleasantly; but by adverse winds, we were 6 days before we arrived at S^t. Johns.—it was evening when we arrived; the next morn” I was taken on shore, & conducted before the Port Admiral, Sir John Thomas Duckworth; after he had made enquiries, relative to my voyage, capture &c &c; he told me, that I had the liberty of the town, provided, I choose to take up my residence on shore, or, I had the liberty of remaining on board the ship—but could not have excess, to the ship, & shore both.—I finally told him, that I wou’d like to remain on board the ship, untill my officers & men were sent in, after which, I wou’d like to come on shore.—Accordingly, I returned to the ship, where, I was allowed the same use of my cabin, & provisions, as formally, in 4 days, my officers & crew, were sent in, & on board the ship, we were again altogether, & as we had remaining of our sea stock, a shoat, of about 60 lb, I ordered it dressed, & a good dinner provided for, all hands, of which I pertook; & the next day, took up my residence on shore, at, prisiners Hall, so called, where there were about 20, Masters & supecargoes, prisinners, like myself.—I found, that there were 27 American vessells, in port, as prises, the Port Admiral, had given liberty to the Supergaroes, & Gentlemen passengers to leave; & git home, at there own expence; and provided, they went away altogether, he would give them a protection, against capture by the English—as I had two Brothers, on board my ship, Josiah, & E. C. Crosby, the Idea struck me, that it was posible, that I might git liberty, to send the latter, a meer boy, home by the same chance, for they had already purchas’d a small vessell, & was then fitting her out.—I accordingly drafted a request, to Sir John, stating, in as feeling a manner, as I was capable, the inconsolibility of their Parents &c &c, and waited upon the old Gentleman with it, in person; He looked it over attentively; looked up at me, & said Yes, Yes, Mr Cobb, send him home to his parents, & I wish I cou’d say the same to you all I accordingly, made preparations for sending the boy home.—I wrote to my family by him, and also, stitched 20 peices of Spanish Gold, into a plaid, which he put into his neck hankerchief, & their wore it, night & day, untill he got home, took it from his neck, & gave it to his Aunt.—6 days, after this vessell had saild; we were greeted, at a very early hour in the morn”, with the sound, “an american, cartile[5] Flagg flying in the harbour,—We were soon, into the Town, & learned, that a ship had arrived, during the previous night, under the command of an american officer, with a cartile flag; that the officer had then gone, to report himself, to the port Admiral,—we, fourthwith repaired to a noted Coffee house, where the American officer soon arrived.

An Exchange of Prisoners

Altho” we were all strangers, he cordially took us by the hand, as americans, and told us, that he was 2^d Leut,” of the American Frigage C—s[6] Cap^t. Porter that ship, in the harbour; was the British Sloop of War Elert, prize to the C—s, and that, through the impertunity of the British Cap^t., she had been sent in, by Cap^t. Porter, with her officers & crew, all on board, to be exchanged, for the same number of Americans.—But, said the officer, I have cause to fear, that I may be a prisiner with you, for, said he, I left the old Admiral, in a violent rage, at Cap^t. Porters proceedings, of making a cartile, on the high seas. the officer told him, he had no terms to make, his orders, from Cap^t. Porter, was, to lay there 24 hours, & if the terms were not complied with, to proceed on to America, with the Prise & her Crew, or, be your prisinner, said he, as I’m in your power, however, in a few minuits, a note was received from the old Admiral, saying, that upon a re-perusual of Cap^t. Porters dispatches, he found that the honor, of the British officer was pledg’d, for the fulfilling of the contract, & as he knew his government, always redeem’d the pledges of their officers; he wou’d receive the officers & crew of Ellert, he wou’d give in exchange, every American prissiner in port (& there were 2 to 1) & that we must be off in 24 hours.

Now, commenced a Scene of confusion, and bussle; the Crew of the cartile was soon landed, and the Americans as speedily took possession, & the next morn”, at about the suns rising, we weighed the anchors of the Ellert, left the harbour of S^t. Johns, and made sail for New York, with 246 Americans on board.—We came on, without falling in, with any floating object, untill we were in the Longitude of the South shoal of Nantucket when saw a topsail Schooner, running off S. Easterly, upon which we fired, & brought her two; she hoisted Sweedish colours, & lay bye, untill we boarded her; We found she was from Boston, bound for the West Idies, and gave us the pleasing account of the American Frigate, the Constitution, having captured the, British Frigate the Garreire,

This intilligence was communicated to the Ellert, by the boarding officer, and in quick time, her yards were manned & three cheers were given, which might have been heard miles.—two days after, we arrived in New York, and dispersed to our several places of residence.—I took passage with my two mates, & Josiah Crosby, in a Schooner for Bass River, we reached the river about the suns setting, & being but about 6 miles from my family, I could not feel willing to sleep without seeing them—consequently myself, & my 1^st. mate, M^r. Berry each hired a Saddle horse, & started for Brewster, and I reach^d. my dwelling, & gave a knock, at your G. Mothers, sleeping room window, the same I now occopy, about 12^[o:]Clock. x x x x it may perhaps amuse my dear G. Childen, if I turn back to the time of my arrival, a prisoner, at S^t. Johns, a circomstance then took place, connected with my knocking at the window, as above

Petition to the Port Admiral

I learned, on my arrival in S^t. Johns, that the Port Admiral, Sir J. T. Duckworth, had given liberty, to the American Supercargoes & passenger, to purchase a vessel, & git home at their own expence, & he wou’d give them a protection from British Cruseirs; & as I had on board, two Brothers, Josiah & E. C. Crosby, the latter, quite a lad; the Idea struck me, that posibly, by application, I might obtain liberty to send the boy home, by this conveyance; for they had already purchased a small vessell & were then fitting her for sea—I accordingly drafted a petition; applying pritty strongly to the old Gentlemans feelings, in behalf of the disconsolate Parents &c &c, and presented it myself—after perusing the petition; the old Gen” rested his head in his hand, for a few moments, and looked up very kindly in my face, saying Yes, Yes, M^r. Cobb, send him home to his Parents & I wish I felt at liberty to send every American in port home.—This, wou’d give me an oppertunity of informing my Family of my capture, of sending some money, spared me by the captors; and grattifiing my relatives by sending home their beloved son.

I accordinly fixed him away; making a plaid for his neckhankercheif, with 24 Dubloons in Gold amounting to $384 dollars, which the dear child put round his neck, in my room, in S^t. Johns & did not take it off, untill in my house, in the presencs of his Aunt; and after having delivered my letters &c—This happened, at about 8 ^[o:] Clock on the same evening I arrived at Bass revir—well’, at 12 ^[o:] Clock, as before stated I knowked at the Winder.

It appears she had been reperusing my Lengthy letter, Amegining & revolving in mind all the horrows of my situation in an English prisin, after she had been in bed, & had not been asleep, when I know’d at the Window.

Who is there! said she—it is I, said I—well’, what do you want; to come in; for what said she; before I cou’d answer, I heard my daughter D., who was in bed with her say, why, Mar it is Par, this was aneogh, the doors flew open, and the greetings of affection & consanguinity multiplied upon me rapidly.

End of the Voyage

Thus, in a moment was I transported to the greatest earthly bliss, man can injoy, viz to the injoyment of the happy family circil.

To fall of 1812—

The foregoing was written by Gen Elijah Cobb during the Year 1843, with the intention of completing, but the state of his health prevented.

He remained at home from 1812 to 1815 or 1816, when he made several voyages to Europe in the Ship ‘Paragon’ built for him, and considered at the time one of the finest ships of her day.

In 1818 & 1819 he made two voyages to Africa in the Ship “Ten Brothers,” taking with him on the first voyage, his son Freeman.

The second voyage, there was much sickness of a contagious character, and the ship on her return was sunk at the end of the wharf to prevent contagion in the city of Boston.[7]

He left the sea in 1820, and after that time remained in Brewster, Mass. filling the various civil offices of Town Clerk, Treasurer, Inspector General, Representative and Senator, and Justice of Peace & Quoram, also the military rank of Brigadier General.

He was a strong supporter of the Universalist church of the town, in whose doctrines he took much interest.

He was tall & straight of fine figure his face very pleasant to look upon. He loved children and was loved by them. Distinguished for his sterling integrity as well as talent loved and respected by all who knew him, he died at the age of eighty. “May our end be like his.”

His body & that of his wife lie in the new cemetery, Brewster.

E. W. C.[8]

Brewster June 19, 1857

LETTERS

From Messrs. Joshua Wall, John Baxter, Jacob Tidd and William Hayden

Boston Nov 27^th 1801.

Cap^t E Cobb,

Sir,

We expect that Peace in Europe, will make considerable difference both in the price, of the articles, with which you were to load, and also in the demand for them, in this Country; by the time you could return; from these considerations we think it best for you to sell the Ship Monsoon, if you can get from Eight to Ten Thousand dollars, clear of the Mates and People, and all other expences: if you cannot sell the Vessel and the prices of goods ordered have not considerably fallen you will please take a freight to any part of America or elsewhere if to be obtain’d on terms that you think will answer, in either of the above mentioned Cases you will place the proceeds of your outward Cargo, (and Ship if sold) in the hands of some safe House in London, say Tho^s Dickerson & C^o if they still remain good—in addition to the above we have only to say that feeling much confidence in your judgment, we leave it to you to do as you think will be most for our Interests.—If the Peace continues we think the following articles will not be worth more in Boston next spring than say,—

Iron—100$, to 110$.

Hemp 200$ to 230$.

Tumblers 40 Cents p^r Straw.

Glass 8$, pr. Box, to 9$.—

Platillas[9] no Sale unless very low.—

we are with much regard

Yours— Joshua Wall John Baxter Jacob Tidd William Hayden

Orders for the Voyage

From Bixby, Valentine & Company, and Humphrey & Clark

Boston February 11^th 1811.

Cap^t Elijah Cobb

Sir,

you being Master of the Ship William Tell, we wish you as soon as you get your cargo on board to proceed the first fair wind for Lisbon on your arrival at Lisbon you will apply to Mess^rs Gould, Brothers & Co and if you with them think it for our interest you will dispose of your cargo to the best advantage or proceed to Cadiz or Gibralter as you may think best. Should you proceed to Cadiz we should recommend the house of the Widow of Morace Roberts & Co to you to do your business if you should proceed to Gibralter we should recommend the Hous of George Allardyce & Co but in all cases should you think best you will value on any other houses you may think most for our interest, after discharging your cargo you will remit the proceeds of our goods and the amount of your freight to Samuel Williams Esq^r London payable to the order of Bixby Valentine & Co in favour of Humphrey & Clark except such amount as you may think proper to invest for a return cargo on our accounts after discharging your cargo you will in case it is at Lisbon or Cadiz ballast your ship with Salt and proceed to the Havana if at Gibralter you will ballast with Stone or Sand as you may be able to obtain, and, if any cheap Red Wine or Malaga Wine can be obtained or any freight you will take and proceed to the Havana with all possible dispatch, In case you get a part of a cargo at any place before mentioned you will have it shipped as the property of Mess^rs Drake & Murdock, merchants of Havana, in the name of some Spanish House, On your arrival at the Havana you will call on Mess^rs Drake & Murdock where you will find our instructions how to proceed, our object is to get a freight home from the Havana for the Ship with laying out what funds you may have for a return cargo in Molasses or Sugar on our Accts. as we may think most for our interest on your Arrival

Account of Belem Port Charges of the

American Ship W^m. Tell Captain Elija Cobb

Pilotage inwards 6·400

Entry-autos and Pratique 1·100

Pratique Officers and Boathire 1·700

Provedor of the Health ·200

Doctor & Surgeon 1·200

Sending the health clearance to Lisbon ·200

Second visit of the Health ·600

Petition and diligence & Extra Services 3·600

Waiter of the health day a 300 ·600

reis each per day ·600

2 Waiters of the costomhouse at Belem ·600

4 days a 600 reis each perday 4·800

Belem Certificate ·240

Officers of the Castle 3·820

Vice Consul for [TN: illegible handwriting] 3·000

[TN: illegible handwriting] $320

[TN: illegible handwriting] $240

[TN: illegible handwriting] 2$970

N. 29 $790

Received amount hereof in full Lisbon the 12^th of Dec.^mr 1811

[TN: illegible handwriting]

Port Charges in 1811.

Should you at your port of discharge be able to procure to the amount of 3 or 4000 dollars in Undoubted Bills on the Havana at 30 or 60 days sight at a handsome discount, guarenteed by either of the houses we have recommended you to, we think it adviseable for you to take them and invest the proceeds in the Havana as we may think best on your arrival there—

We should not confine the destination of the Ship after her discharge in Europe but think it so unlikely for you to get employ either at, Lisbon, Cadiz or Gibralter for the Ship it will be best to fix her destination that we may be able with what we shall load ourselves to obtain freight sufficient to fill her up in the Havana without loss of time—

Remuneration

The voyage being different from our expectations when you left Boston, we agee to give you for your services Thirty dollars p^r month, Two pecent on the nett Sales of your Cargo and half p^r Cent on your remitting Bills to England or returned Cargo and five p^r C^t primage on your Cargo from the Havana to the United States, We believe all the Shippers except Mr G. Snow consign their goods to you and allow you the same commissions and we understand Mr Snow consigns to you in case you should not sell at Lisbon—

Should the terms before mentioned meet your approbation you will acknowledge this agreement to be the terms on which you proceed the voyage—

Should you not be satisfied with the Compensation we offer, you will proceed the voyage and we will give you as much as any Master has out of this port on Such a voyage—

Wishing you a pleasant voyage and Safe return

We are yours with respects

Bixby Valentine & C^o Humphrey & Clark

Elijah Cobb to his Wife

Prince’s Island 4^th Feb. 1819

My Dear Freind

We are here; & all well, thanks to the controler of every event, but under circomstances, must remain here two months longer, as we have a considerable part of our cargo still on hand, business is astonishingly altered since last voyage, the coast is crouded with vessells & goods of every discription, & the natives have nothing to buy with. This circomstance is owing to the late interior war, which has recently raged with great violence & prevented the natives from procuring Gold dust & Ivory as formally.—my object for waiting is to git clear of the Perishable part of my cargo for coffee, when their Crop comes in, which is now commin[c]ing but will not be at its height untill the last of March or first april—I also calculate to touch at one of the windward W. India Islands (on my passage home) in order to s[ell][10] my Tobacco, Flour, Tea, & salmon; which I cannot sell here for an[y thin]g [10]—& some Corn, which I shall receive here in barter, so [that][10] you need not be antious if we dont git home untill [the la]st[10] of July. we may sooner, but I think it douptfull;—What I have sold of the cargo, has been at about as good profit as last voyage, the deficulty is not so much in the price, as in finding people able to purchase, Scarcity of produce is the great complaint. This comes by Esq. Clark, via the W. Indies, he will sail to morrow; Cap^t Nickerson is very sick on shore, he will leave him to come with us if he git well, but I have hardly a hope, he is however in the hands of a mercifull God, may his will be done, & the submission of the creture sincier…. I expect our people will all write to their freinds, another oppertunity will offer in about 15 or 20 days direct for Boston. I will then write again.

Hard Times

Pars love to all his children, he earnestly pray that his life may be spared, & he permitted, once more to greet his little flock in health & hapiness.

Docter will have all the perticulars respecting the Schooners Voyage by the Esq: it is consequently unnecesary for me to write—. They have not managed matters quite to my mind, but so it is, & prehaps for the best.

Love & respects to all freinds

Your Affectionate Freind

Elijah Cobb

Feb^y 7^th Since the a[bove][11] to the astonishment of us all Cap^t Nickerson has so far reco[vere]d[11] that we have taken him on board the ship,—Esq^r C[lar]k[11] is very sick, the Boy young Kimbal is dead.

Feb^y 14^th He is gone—. Nickerson does not gain any Strength wishes to go to sea & try a change of air, he is sildom himself we have as yet kept the Esq^rs death from him,—such senes of distress & death, is severely trying to me, May God preserve me—We all continue well except Cap^t Mayo, he has had a slight fever, but is apperrently doing well; I have had a smart attact of the Nervous head ake, but have got over it,

A schooner will sail for Boston in a day or two, will write more fully

Your as ever

Elijah Cobb

The FeverElijah Cobb to his Wife

Princes Island 18^th Feb^y 1819

My Dear freind

I wrote you 4 days ago by the Schooner Hope which I sent away under the care of John Dillingham 3^d he being the only one willing to undertake, … you may posibly git this letter first, it is therefore necessary to repeat that Esq. Clark has paid the dept of nature, it was my task to close his Eyes the 11^th Ins^t after a sickness of 8 days—Young Kimbal died 4 days before, Cap^t Nickerson was very sick on board this ship, but his fever having turned, it was the advice of Every One to send him to sea, that a change of air would have a good effect; I accordingly did, but fear he never will reach America; we must however commit him & ourselves to a mercifull just God, who always acts for the good of his Creaturs & happy would it be for us; if we could always bow with humble submission to his righteous dispensations.

Cap^t Mayo has been very sick; his fever turned two days since, & the people here who are no doupt better judges than strangers say he is out of danger, he also has great currage, but he is very weak. & it will be a long time before he gits [his][12] strength, he is on shore, I am something unwell, & [takin]g[12] Medicine that I cannot see him to day—

Feb^y 20^th Alas Alas, Cap^t Mayo is gone; an unfavourable turn in his disorder was his passport to (I trust) realms of blessedness—I have ordered the ship amediately to sea; shall work up to the windward of these islands & pass away 3 or 4 weeks, untill the sickly season passes of.—I must then return & git pay for 3 or 4000 Dollars of goods trusted out to A. B. C. &c &c, in orders for coffee—and had I have foreseen the consequence; I would not have put it out of my power to have left altogether at pleasure altho we should have bro^t home half our cargo, but circomstancd as I am, we must take all reasonable precaution, and trust our lives & healths, to an alwise, aljust, & mercifull God, who cannot err.

The scenes of distress, together with anciety of mind, which I have had to encounter within the last 15 days, have nearly unmaned me, I wou’d write to Mrs Mayo but am not able, do afford her all the consolation in your power, & oh, may God of his infinite mercy pour the balm of consolation into her afflicted Bosom—

The crew will all write; they are well as yit, but quite alamed, which induces me to put to sea, where we shall git good air, & I hope, fresh sperits

I had, (previous to this last shock) written a few lines to Mrs Clark, I do not feel able to put in order by copying, I inclose it, you’l deliver it, or not, as you think proper.

My love to our little ones & all freinds—dont give yourself too much anciety, put your whole trust in God, he can releive in the greatest distress or most [imm]inent[12] danger.

Your affectionate friend

Elijah Cobb

Puts to Sea

21. Feb^y We meant to have got out yesterday, but we had our ship to rig almost as well as sails to bend & Ballast to git—the Vessell which brings this, will sail amediately, we shall go in the course of the day—I feel nicely this morn” as to health. M^r Thatcher & M^r Crosby are both hearty, thank God. Myrick & Bates, complained yesterday, we gave them both a smart purge, they are nicely this morning & no appearance of a fever, the sea air will make them harty again; as I before observ^d Amigination in this country works wonders; As to myself I feel a sort of pleasing confidence that I am again, to be permited to visit my beloved family—to offer a word of consolation, to the afflicted freind of those entoomb’d in this foreign land, but in every instance, I trust I shall be anable to say in sincerety thy will be done.

Your

E. C

Elijah Cobb to his Son, Elijah Cobb, 2nd

Prince’s Island 24^th April 1819

My dear Son

This will accompay a letter directed to you or M^r Haven (should you be absent) containing a Bill of exchange for 300 Dollars, with perticular instructions relative therto. should you receive it before I return, you may send it to y^r Mar, or keep it in your hands (as you like).

We are all well, shall tarry here a few days longer & the[n] proceed for S^t Thomases, where I hope to procure a considerable quantity of coffee. & then proceed as bifore mentioned, hope yet to reach Boston in all the month of July.

Ivory, Coffee and Palm Oil: a Typical Bill of Lading.

The Rainy Season

I expect before this, my letters (by the two schooners) filled with heart rending tidings to our Brewster freind have been received, my mental, as well as bodily distress, has been such, that I hardly know what I wrote in those letters (probably much incoherency) as they were dictated by the feelings of the moment, but I trust those scenes are not to return upon us this voyage, the place is healthy, frequent turnardoes, with thunder lightning & copeous showers purifies the air, all nature smiles, & the human form wears a cheerfull countenance in place of the gastly visage, which so recently presented itself at all points.—What abundant cause of greatfull praise to the supreem controler of every event both of time & eternity, more especially to us the living monuments of His mercy who for wise purposes (tho” hidden from our veiw) have been spared while so many have fallen around us, May we express our gratitude by keeping his commands.

I have written to your mar by this conveyance hope it will not be long (after you receive this) before I shall be permitted to see my little flock in health.

Your Affectionate Father

Elijah Cobb

Samuel Swan, Jr., to Mrs. Elijah Cobb

[Ship] Belvidere—Quarantine— June 27th 1819

Mrs. Cobb—

Madam—

I arrived here last evening 84 Days from Africa—I left the Ten Brothers at Princes Island April 4^th—After the loss of Cap^t Mayo, the ship proceeded to sea in a very sickly state—The change of air soon produced a favourable effect; and on the Ships return to Princes in March they were all quite recovered, though still m[uc]h[13] debilitated—One man only was any ways ill during my stay, & he was again on duty when we sail’d—The ship had been on her return to port thoroughly clensed by washing with vinegar, & limejuice, and twenty four hour’s fumigation with strong charcoal fires in the hold, & between decks—During this time I was honoured with Cap^t Cobb’s company on board the Belvidere—

I believe, Madam, you may rest perfectly free from any apprehensions of the sickness again appearing on board the Ten Brothers—Every precaution has been taken to purify the ship—& the more immediate cause of their sickness was also removed—It is during the few weeks interval between the closing of the Dry, & setting in of the Rainy season, that the Islands are most unhealthy—The atmosphere is then heavy, & the Harbor is so situated that the little air that is in motion during the day is intirely secluded from the shipping, while a vertical sun produces an intensity of heat that operates powerfully to render the place unhealthy—After the rains commence, the frequent tornadoes which accompany that season, & always blow from the eastward, directly into the harbor, so purify the air that there is little danger of sickness with the usual precautions which all strangers should observe for preservation of health in warm climates—

Good News

As I was in daily communication with Cap^t Cobb, I can assure you of his intire restoration to health, except the debility incident to a severe attack of fever—

It was Cap^t Cobb’s intention to close all business with the utmost dispatch, & he thought to be able to sail in all April to a certainty—He will touch at Martinique on his passage to America—

I am fully aware, Madam, that the charge of presumption may be alledged against me—Indeed (reasoning from analogy) I offer no other apology for writting, than the satisfaction I believe my own family would recieve by any communication from a person who had seen me abroad, at a time when a variety of reports respecting my safety would render any news highly gratifying—

I cannot close without most respectfully offering, thro’ your family, the tribute of my consolation to the family of the late Henry Clarke Esq^r of your t[ow]n[14]—On my first arrival at Princes, in Dec^r, I found him there; & our constant intercourse, during the short stay I there made, gave me abundant cause to honour & admire him—on my leaving the place he accompanied me out of the harbor, & our last resolve, when he quited me, was, to visit each others families when both should be at home—Nothing could exceed the shock on my feelings, on again visiting the Island, to learn his lamented death—If the respect of a stranger can be acceptable to his family, I beg, Madam, you will mention my name, as one who feels proud to acknowledge an acquaintance, & friendship, with him abroad—

With regard, I remain,

Madam, respectfully your

Most Humble servant—

Sam^l Swan Jr—

M^rs Elijah Cobb—Brewster—

NB. Letters from Cap^t Cobb, have been sent to his Son in Boston—others from people on board, will be forwarded by post office on my arrival to town.

S. S.

A Birthday Letter Elijah and Mary Cobb to their Son, Elijah Cobb, 2nd

Brewster, 27^th June 1820

Dear Son

Your affectionate parents fondly recolect that This Day, compleats the full time of 21 years, since the Supreem doner of every thing, was pleased to gladen the parential heart in the birth of a Son; Who has since continued his existance thro” Infancy; thro” Youth, & bro^t him to the commincment of manhood, without suffering any action (of their childs) to wound their hearts; What abundant cause of greatfull Praise for those inestimable favours,—May He enable them to suplicate with fervency & effect, to continue His Mercies to them & their children, & may it laden all their hearts with a greatfull song of Thankgiving & Praise,—We recieved your letter by M^r Copeland & noted your observations upon M^r H’s enquiries, we think it wou’d be as well, to continue where you are a while, (at least) untill the Fall,—But altho” I wou’d not inculcate the Idea of taking the advantage of any ones necesity; I think as M^r H. has contributed so very sparringly to y^r support during the long time you have remained with him, He ought now to give you a full support at least untill you see your way clear to commince business for yourself, which time we look forward to with pleasure, mixed with a degree of anciety, naturel to parential feelings always antious for the wellfare of their ospring. prehaps the old edage will apply, that effection is blind, but we feel confident (from your former & present deportment) that propriety, entigrity, virtue & piety will govern all your actions,—Those virtues exercised by a finite being will receive an infinite approbation & blessing—

Every advice, & every assistanc from your Parents, will at all times be cheerfully bestowed, & it is (we presume) unnecesary to ask, who is so suitable to advise a child as its fond doating parents—We will close for the present, by supplicating Our Heavenly Father, to take you into His holy keeping; to direct each gardian Angel to watch over you, that no improper action may ever sully a good name or wound y^r parents feelings

Affectionately Yours

E. & M. Cobb

NB. Debby is favourably convalessent. wish you to inform me, if you hear any thing from Cap^t Tycross, or M^r Hathaway—

We hope Mrs Haven will come with Lincoln (expect him the next tide) we shall be highly pleased with a visit from her, & think it can be made pleasant to her.

To His Son Elijah Cobb to his Son, Elijah Cobb, 2nd

Brewster 2^d Jan^y 1836

Dear Son

As our representitive will leave in the morn” I avial myself of the oppertunity to forward by him the small paper Package, which I found snugly laceed up, in the branch part, of your last package of trees. I found the mice had made a hole thro” the paper, among some small seed, when, or where it was done I cannot say, I found no other traces of them either about the package or ground where they were—I put the inverlope around them again, but shall have an eye to them frequently.

The Lyceum appear to be in successfull opperation, M^r Williams gave the introductory address, his remarks were bassed upon the word curiosity, it was good; the best production ever I heard from him, the follow^g officers were chosen—George Copeland esq^r, President, Joseph Sampson Esq. Vice P.—John P. Washburn, Secretary, my humble self, Treasurer, and Franklin Hopkins Libraⁿ—24 became members, by signing the constitution, & paying from 50^cs to 2.00—the members were then, formed into 6 Sections of 4 each, for discussions, by the board of managers, (the 5 officers as above) and the follow^g subject assigned, for the next wednesday eve” viz, which exarts the greatest influance, in a country Town, wealth or knowledge—the discussion was assigned to the 1^st & 2^d Sections, under the managements of the Rev^d mess^rs Conant, & Williams, the former advocating wealth, & the latter knowledge—the subject was ably & ingenously managed on both sides, but the decision was in favour of wealth. an addition of 17 became member, making now 41.

The next Wednesday Eve” we are to have an address by the Rev^d M^r Simpkins—the subject for discussion is, which injoys the greatest satisfaction, the Rich man, or poor man—assigned to Sections 3^d & 5^th Rev^d M^r Pratt, & Father—I expect a powerfull opponent, but cannot feel any fear upon the subject. He cannot expect much assistance from his Section, except what he gits from our bro^r Jo. & I have M^r Washburn in my Section, which I think will match Docter.—There appears an interest in the cause, among our young men, the older ones must begin, but they will soon come forward.

Local Affairs

Our high School goes on well, it is as full, as they can accommodate 46—there appears perfect satisfaction with M^r Washburn, the instructor—he appears to be wide awake, & master of his business.

We are looking hourly for the Fayette, think she will be here in the morn”—she no doubt came unexpectedly to you, but she must have had a fine time, and our shore is now clear of Ice for her return.

My eyes are somthing better, but very weak, I am obliged to deny myself the pleasure of reading, altogether, and I am in agony with writing thus much, altho” I have had 5 or 6 spells at it.

Grandfather wishes the children all, a happy new year, not as the compliment of the season, which is in the mouths of the multitude, but in sencerity of heart.

Father

Elijah Cobb to his Son, Elijah Cobb, 2nd

Brewster April 3^d 1837

Dear Son

Your last p^r Patriot, gave general directions about placeing manure &c &c, all which, Father thinks, manifests agriculturel judiciousness. Freeman commenced work March 27^th, but anticipating your injuntion, relative to sea-weed, & a fine oppertunity presenting last week, he did very little else—we shall have, by night, anough up by my salt works, to replenish your Barn Yard—a noble lot, of excell^t seaweed came on shore, directly below my landing, while the other parts of the shore was quite distitute—I hireed an extra team, & extra man to pitch one day & we have secured, a fine lot of it. F. & Joshua are at it to day, I have tried to git another team, but have not succeeded, there is still abundanc on the shore, & I shall keep the boys at it, as such a fine chance, sildom offers, of so good a quality.

I expect you intend to lay down, the peice of land you planted, back of the barn, if so, you’l want grass seed for it,—I shou’d put on it, ½ bush^l herds grass, ½ bush^l red top, & 8 lbs of red clover—Oats, we shall have anough, between us—you have not many, but I have a plenty.

Townsman and Farmer

The Patriot will go Wednesday Eve”—I hope you’l be able to return with her, ab^t Saturday night—I am writing now, (morn”) as I shall be engaged thro” the remainder of the day—the Towns committee are coming to settle the accounts of the Treasury for last year; & in the afternoon a Town meeting of importance—a Poor house in agitation, herring fishery to be new moddleed, suplus revenue, &c &c.

in haste

Father.

Elijah Cobb to his Son, Elijah Cobb, 2nd

Brewster Sept^r 12^th 1838

Dear Son

The packet did not git to her moorings, to enable us to git the roller & seed out, untill monday eve”, anticipating it wou’d come, M^r F. had prepared the upland for the seed, Viz. the peice where y^r wheat was, & the strip, quite down to the ditch, where my oats was; for the swamp part of that; plouged, equal to any of the upland, having been well mixed with upland soil, & frequently ploughed, before—calculation was made, to commence opperations with the seed & roller, on tuesday morn”, but when the morning came, a storm had commenced, which still continues, without intermission, consequently, they were compelled to suspend those oppera^ns for the time being. They have got in, nearly all the Indian wheat, that is worth harvesting; that article, turns out slim; Gen^l Mayo, M^r Crocker, & Cap^t Freeman, have abandoned the Idea of harvesting any, except, for their hogs, in the straw—I have givin mine, (the little strip) to my pigs, as they required it—they love it dearly, & thrive finely upon it.—We think there is somthing uncongenial in our atmospere to that plant.

Since the storm commenced, they have been attending to threshing wheat &c &c. M^r Freeman had got all the creek stuff, home, & all the salt hay secured in stack, before the storm commenced, so that you have nothing exposed to injury, except the peat, & that is so far made, that the injury to it, will be little, or nothing. In regard to seed, for the swampy part of your land, we think a bushel will be sufficient, for what you will be able to seed this fall—I wish you to understand, that we included, in the 4 Acres of upland, the strip, east of my orchard, & the whole of the south strip (next Mrs Snows) down to the main ditch—that strip, has been raised & tilled so much, that it is susceptable of the same seed, as upland, for this, you have sent seed already. If you cannot procure foul meadow seed, I should recommend that you git 3 pecks of red top, & one peck of herds grass, & mix them, in the same bag—if you can git foul meadow, ½ bush^l of each, that, & red top, & no herds grass.

The Plough

I surely wrote you how the swamp ploughed east of my orchard; that after going round; that they had to stop the team, & work with hoes, hands &c—there were, an abundance of large roots & stumps, which required prying out, hauling away &c; they have carried, somthing like a cord, to your wood house. The plough, is A 2½, a larger one, no doubt, would do better, but no plough would turn it over smooth, while coming in contact, every few feet, with stumps & roots that required the team & prys to start out of their beds—however, with hoes, elbow greass, & the plough, it looks as if the rollow & harrow would leave it pritty smooth; it would add greatly to the benifit of it, if you can git on a quantity of sand; or soil of some kind before sowing the seed on the swamp. I hope you will be able to be here, the last of the week, & see, & act for yourself.

Mr. Freeman says the sheer of the plough, has worn so small, that anew one is necessary, the present one will not cut a furrow of any weadth, & under those circomstances, haveing considerable hard plouging to perform, this fall, & next spring, perhaps it will be advisable to git a new, & larger one, the present one can be fitted for light ploughing, and favour the new one.

The print (Nettle)[16] directed to Cap^t Freeman & myself, was received, & I annex a list of 8 subscribers, will you order them sent, with the back numbers, & pay for them, & I will have the money collected to refund, when you come.

all well.

Father

Subscribers to the Nettle.

Geo” Copeland—Jo. Sampson. Enoch Pratt—Freeman Mayo. Benjⁿ Berry—Soloⁿ Freeman. Freeman Rogers—E. Cobb. | | { | | They come so cheap, that no dou[bt][15] 20 or 30 wou’d be taken, in the Tow[n][15] if it was known—Copeland, & Docter say; they will increase the list.

A Southerly Blow

Thursday A. M. 13^th

The wind has got round to the south, & blows a hurrycane, I have just returned from your young orchard, have been assisting M^r F. in resecuring some of the trees, which it seemed as if the wind would take from the ground, roots, stakes, & all—the fruit is prostrated, nearly all; I beleive there are 8 of those delicious plums, remain’g on the tree, but those which blew off, were perfectly ripe—if practicable, they will be kept untill you, & caro” come; I advised M^r F. to take those from the tree also.

Notwithstanding the weight of your roller, it runs very easy, F. & Eldridge, after puting it together, could run it about any where, with ease.

Father

the wife of Elisha Bangs, expired at 7 this morn”.