Appletons' Cyclopædia of American Biography/Abbot, Joel (naval officer)

ABBOT, Joel, naval officer, b. in Westford, Mass., 18 Jan., 1793; d. in Hong Kong, China, 14 Dec., 1855. He was appointed midshipman at the outbreak of the second war with England, and was orderd to the frigate "President" as aid and signal officer to Com. Rodgers, who, impressed by his zeal and efficiency, recommended him to Com. Macdonough, then in command of the naval forces on Lake Champlain. Learning that the British had accumulated a large supply of spars at Sorel, Macdonough sent for Midshipman Abbot and asked him if he was willing to die for his country. "Certainly, sir; that is what I came into the service for," was the answer. Macdonough then told him what he wished done, and young Abbot, disguised as a British officer, entered the enemy's lines, taking the risk of being hanged as a spy in case of capture, discovered where the spars were stored, and destroyed them. Such were the hardships and dangers encountered during this expedition that when he reported to his commanding officer he was in a state of prostration, from the effects of which he was long in recovering. For this exploit and for gallantry in action off Cumberland Head, 11 September, 1814, he was promoted lieutenant, and congress voted him a handsome sword. During the remainder of the war he had no further opportunity for distinction, though at one time he quelled a formidable mutiny. In December, 1818, he was placed in charge of a 30-gun pirate craft, the "Mariana," captured by Com. Stockton off the African coast. On the voyage to Boston part of his crew mutinied, and the piratical prisoners succeeded in wrenching off their irons, during a terrible gale. Notwithstanding this seemingly hopeless state of affairs, Lieut. Abbot regained command of his crew, kept the mutineers at bay, and brought his ship safely into port. In 1838 he was promoted commander, serving on the various foreign squadrons, and from 1839 to 1842 was in command at the Boston navy-yard. In 1852 he commanded the "Macedonian" in the Japan expedition, succeeding Com. Perry as flag-officer of the squadron. During this critical period of our relations with China he was often called upon to perform delicate diplomatic duties, discharging them to the complete satisfaction of the government. He probably shortened his life by devotion to the interests of commerce in personally superintending the placing of buoys and a light-ship in the harbor of Shanghai, which for the first time then had its channels and sailing-courses properly defined.