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Joseph Perkins Papers, 1802-1852

 Collection
Identifier: MH 184

Scope and Content Note

This collection contains papers related to ships associated with Captain Joseph Perkins as well as business papers.

Series I. Ships' Papers includes bills of sale, contracts, letters, and records pertaining to seven different vessels including two privateers. Contracts include a power of attorney granted to Captain Joseph Perkins, and a commission for the privateer Montgomery granted by President James Madison. Material is arranged alphabetically by ship name. Series II. Business Papers and Contracts includes bills and receipts, letters, forms, contracts, and business papers relating to Joseph Perkins' activities as a captain and a businessman. Also included are forms and circulars pertaining to the Baker Island Lighthouse, and contracts, one of which is a contract for an indentured apprentice. The business papers are varied in nature including appointment of an agent for subscribers to Pilot Boat, a petition from citizens of Salem, and a summons for John Allen. Papers are arranged chronologically.

Dates

  • Creation: 1802-1852

Creator

Restrictions on Access

This collection is open for research use.

Biographical Sketch

Joseph Perkins, born in 1785 in Maine, was a master mariner from Salem, Massachusetts. Perkins was master of several ships, including the ship Arrogante and was part owner of the schooner Betsy. Perkins was appointed pilot for Salem Harbor in 1813; at one time he was also keeper of the Baker Island Lighthouse. He piloted into Salem Harbor the frigate Constitution when it escaped the British fleet in 1814. He married Elizabeth Hunt (d. 1835) and had four children, Joseph (born 1810), Nathaniel Brown (born 1813), William (born 1823), and Caroline. His death date is unknown.

Extent

0.25 linear feet (1 box)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

This collection contains papers related to ships associated with Captain Joseph Perkins as well as business papers.

Series List

SERIES I. Ships' Papers

SERIES II. Business Papers and Contracts

Physical Location

Phillips Library Stacks

Provenance

This material was donated by E. Victor Emilio (acc #11,316).

Bibliography and Related Collections

Cutter, William Richard. Genealogical and Personal Memoirs Relating to the Families of Boston and Eastern Massachusetts, Volume 2. Lewis Historical Publishing Company, 1908. 1040-1041.

Nathaniel B. Perkins Papers (1830-1867), MH 185

Processing Information

Collection processed by Laina Finney, May, 2012.

Subject

Title
JOSEPH PERKINS PAPERS, 1802-1852
Author
Processed by: Laina Finney; machine-readable finding aid created by: Rajkumar Natarajan.
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Phillips Library Repository

Contact:
Peabody Essex Museum
306 Newburyport Turnpike
Rowley MA 01969 USA