THE COOMBS OF MAINE

Ebenezer Coombs was born in Newburyport in 1747. He was four years old when his father removed from Newburyport. He early showed an inclination for the sea. This one pursuit engrossed his whole attention; so much so that he would not be prevailed upon to engage in other business. His parents, not being willing that he should go to sea, wished him to learn a trade, but at the age of fourteen he left home without leave, and went a voyage in a coaster to Boston. When he returned his friends advised his father to let him go to sea. He accordingly was apprenticed to a sea–captain by the name of G. Gardner on the island of Nantucket. Whilst an apprentice he studied navigation, and became one of the most skilful of navigators. At the age of eighteen he was put by his master in command of a vessel. When nearly twenty–one he sailed from Nantucket to Newfoundland, thence to Spain and France, and returned to Nantucket, a voyage of eighteen months. He followed whaling three years. At the age of twenty–four he returned to his relations, but they did not know him. After remaining a few weeks he went to sea again. In about one year he left Nantucket entirely, and went to his relations again in Bath (then Georgetown). He got acquainted with his future wife. Not willing to undertake or engage in any other business, he soon went to sea again. An old man, the owner of the vessel, went in the capacity of captain, and he as mate, but he had sole command and management of the vessel.

A Captain Layman built a new schooner, and he went as first mate on two voyages. After this he married Abigail Thompson, in the year 1774. He went first mate of the same schooner until the Revolutionary War commenced, when it was fitted up as a privateer. He was employed to take command of a trading vessel. He had got it loaded and ready to sail, when the news of the embargo came. The vessel was accordingly detained. A volunteer company was made up consisting of mates and captains of vessels. They sailed to Penobscot to encounter the enemy, but were defeated, and lost all. He purchased a house and lot in the town of Topsham, where he settled his family. He entered into partnership with the owners of a vessel, and loaded her with lumber for the West India market. His interest in the loading was valuable. In a few hours after he sailed they were taken by the enemy, and lost all. He and his brother, John Coombs, his mate, were set on shore, and they returned home. He made a voyage to France. On returning with a rich cargo, having been very prosperous, he was again taken by the enemy and carried a prisoner to New Providence. He determined to see the governor. He went to the house and inquired, but was told he could not see him. He resolutely insisted that he must see him. The governor was very friendly and asked him what he wished. He told his situation, wishing to have liberty of the town for himself and his apprentice, Stephen Gould, that they might get work. His request was granted. He then made a similar request for the crew, but without success. He got employment for himself and apprentice at repairing and rigging a vessel, and continued to work until the exchange of prisoners took place. The governor appointed him to pilot the vessel which carried the prisoners to Baltimore to be exchanged. The crew returned home. He again fitted out for a voyage to Eutasia, was again taken by the enemy, and returned again to Baltimore. He went from there to Philadelphia. He went out from there on a privateering cruise. He took two prizes and returned home. He was afterwards commissioned captain of a privateer, of Boston, by Governor Hancock.347

Kennebec River, December 25. A.D. 1782.

My dear, By these lines I inform you that I have returned from my Cruize as far as the mouth of this river, and should a come home if I could. But our Provision is all out and a fair wind permits so that I cant come to sea you now, which I am very sorry for. But I shall return from Boston as soon as possible I can. I have taken nothing this cruise. I am in a hurry now or I would write the particulars of the cruise. I suppose you have heard by letters of my sickness, but thanks be to God I am in a great measure recovered of my sickness Which I never expected. So no more But I remain Your True and Loving Husband,

Eben^r Coombes.

N.B. I have sent by Mr. Samson a bag with some Sheeps wool and some feathers and a small bag of Board Nails and one Orger.348

Guardelupe, at Point Peter, Aug. ye 18. 1783.

Dear and Loving Wife these are to inform you that this is the first opportunity I have had to right to you since I arrived at this port, and now I have a small prospect of getting to you a few lines by the way of Cape Ann in a brig bound to that port…. I am well and sincerely wish these may find you all as well as they leave me and all our friends.

I arrived here after a long voyage of thirty five days. We have all our cargo out and have begun to take on board molasses, but it is very scarce so that I cannot tell when we shall be ready to sail, But I hope in a fortnite or three weeks for Boston then with Gods permission I shall come home. Mr. Randall is well and desires to be remembered to all inquiring friends. There is so little hopes of your getting this letter that I shall not right any thing particular But hope you have got the money and things that I sent you and wish that you may do better than my expectations, The time will be but short now before with the blessing of God I shall see you all…. So after my duty to Mother and love to brothers and sisters shall conclude Your true and loving husband til Deth.

Ebnn^r Coombes349