Journal, 1803-1805.

ArchivalResource

Mann, William. Journal, 1803-1805.

Journal, 1803-1805.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/207152423

The journal of ship's carpenter William Mann ( - ) was written from 1803 to 1805 and concerns the adventures of the British privateer "Swallow" under Capt. Daniel Symmonds Smyth, who operated under a Letter of Marque issued by George III. The twelve pages provide a record of life on board an armed privateer during the Napoleonic Era, including vivid accounts of the attack and seizure of Spanish brigs and French whalers, several imprisonments for piracy in Brazil, daring escapes from confinement, Dutch attacks, and the mutiny of rebellious crews. Of special interest is the fact that many of the crew were Americans who might have mutinied because of the practice of impressment. William Mann includes in his journal the disguise of the "Swallow" under American colors and details its subsequent duty as a slaver from Mozambique to the East Indies. While in Calcutta, Mann's ill-treatment at the hands of the "villainous" Capt. Smyth led to his abandonment there until the arrival of the "Mary Bark" from Salem, upon which he worked for his passage to America.

1 folder (1 item, 12 p.)

American Antiquarian Society