James DeWolf was born in Bristol, Rhode Island to Mark Antony and Abigail DeWolf. He was their seventh son. Both his father and his mother's brother, Simeon Potter, were heavily involved in the trade of slaves from the Guinea Coast of Africa both before and after the Revolution. During the Revolution, James and his brothers signed on as ship's crew on Simeon Potter's privateers operating out of the ports of Rhode Island. James survived naval battles and being twice captured by the enemy. During the War of 1812, DeWolf was a strong advocate of war with England and offered the government at his own expense "an armed Brig (one of the most suitable in this country for a Privateer), of one hundred and sixty tons burthen (sic), mounting eighteen guns and carries one hundred and twenty men, called the Yankee, commanded by Oliver Wilson." The Yankee was immensely successful. It made six cruises in less than three years and captured more than five million dollars' worth of British property.
From the description of James DeWolf Papers, 1796-1832, bulk 1810-1815. (Redwood Library & Athenaeum). WorldCat record id: 422776343
