Joel Abbot Article Index for
Joel
Website Links For
Joel
 

Information About

Joel Abbot




Born in Westford, Massachusetts , Abbot entered the Navy as Midshipman at the beginning of the War Of 1812 , serving first on the frigate '' President '' and next on Lake Champlain with Commodore Macdonough , who, when he asked Abbot if he were ready to die for his country received the reply "Certainly, sir; that is what I came into the service for." Abbot was then ordered to enter the British lines as a Spy and destroy a number of spars which had been stored at Sorel . For his success in this dangerous exploit, and for his bravery in the engagement at Cumberland Head on Sept. 11, 1814 , the young officer received a sword of honor from Congress and was commissioned a Lieutenant . In 1818 , he was given charge of the pirate ship ''Mariana''.

Abbot was promoted to Commander in 1838 , and the following year was given command of the Boston Navy Yard . During Commodore Perry 's expedition to Japan in 1852 Abbot commanded the '' Macedonian '', and later was appointed Flag Officer of the squadron. He died in Hong-Kong in 1855 .

Ships named USS ''Abbot'' were named in his honor.