Martin, Joseph, fl. 1820-1822

Joseph Martin, a ship's boy on the merchant vessel Pacific , kept this ship's log during two 1820s voyages: Philadelphia, to Antwerp (Belgium), to Crounstant (likely Kronstadt, Russia), and back to Philadelphia with Captain Abiah Sharpe; and Philadelphia to Madras (India) and back with Captain James Moore.

In this log Joseph Martin listed his rank as a "boy." He could be as young as 13, but the term boy was more a function of a sailor's low rank than his age. The boy acted as a servant to the captain and other officers, but his tasks were varied and involved all manner of work on the vessel. Although some young men began under less harsh conditions, starting as apprentices or midshipmen, an able boy could also rise all the way to captain. Martin's nautical studies indicate that he was working to move up the ship's ranks.

The captain of Martin's first journey was Abiah Sharpe, born into a family of Wilmington, Delaware, shipping merchants. As Sharpe's fortunes as a sea captain in the East India trade grew, he moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and became half-owner of the ship Pacific . Sharpe retired wealthy at 35, but continued to own ships. He married Ann Taylor of Wilmington and had seven children. His five eldest children died unmarried. Sharpe's second-youngest daughter, Ann, married Samuel Stockton Horner of New Jersey and lived in Paris for many years. His son Charles Abiah married Marianna Shreve of New Jersey. Captain Sharpe died between 1833 and 1834.

Davenant, Francis. What Shall My Son Be? Hints to Parents on the Choice of a Profession or Trade; and Counsels to Young Men on Their Entrance into Active Life ... With a Copious Appendix of Examination Papers, and Other Practical Information. 1870, 99-108. Pietsch, Roland. "Ships' Boys and Youth Culture in Eighteenth-Century Britain: The Navy Recruits of the London Marine Society." The Northern Mariner/Le marin du nord, XVI No 4, (October 2004), 11-24. Scharf, J. Thomas. History of Delaware: 1609-1888. Philadelphia: L.J. Richards, 1888, 848-848b. Additional biographical information derived from the collection.

From the guide to the Journal of a voyage from Philadelphia to Antwerp, 1820 April 15-1822 April 17, 1843, 1820 April 15-1822 April 17, (University of Delaware Library - Special Collections)