Partial List of Officers and Men of the Ship Boston (January 1778)

The following list, dated January 1778 and granting power of attorney as prize agent to Major Richard Reed begins “We the Subscribers, officer as well as Seaman belonging to the Ship Boston Commanded by Samuel Tucker, Esq.,” is transcribed from two Revolutionary War pension documents. The list appears in different formats in the pension applications of both William Goss, Jr’s widow Susannah (aka Susan) #R-4148 and the widow of Midshipman Philip Follett, Sarah Smith Follett Reynolds #W-24751. The differences in each, particularly in spelling and notations of rate or quality on the vessel, indicate both are imperfect transcriptions of the original. Other documents in Sarah Reynolds’ pension application indicate signee Benjamin Reed was one of the frigate Boston’s Lieutenants, as well as, Follett’s uncle and also identifies William Jennison as Lieutenant of Marines. Susan Goss’ application indicates John Goss and William Goss, Jr. were brothers and that William Goss, Jr was raised by the ship’s Pilot, his grandfather. This list was drafted just one month prior to the frigate Boston’s cruise conveying John Adams and his son John Quincy to France. The vessel returned to Portsmouth, NH on 15 October 1778.

 

Benjamin Tucker, First Mate

John Vickery, Mate

Phillip Follett, Midshipman [Died 25 February 1778 at Marblehead]

James Quilly, Ship’s Cook

John Goss, Boy

William Goss, Ship’s Pilot

William Goss, Jr, Boy

Jacob Tucker, Junior Boy

George Snowden, Mate

Elias Bordon, Quarter Master

Jacob Tucker, Quarter Master

Phillip Mohyes, Quarter Master

Richard Webber, Boy

Samuel Gatchell, Boy

John Davis, Boatswain’s Mate

John Fox Bosuns Mate

Aaron Keith, Capt Tailor

Jeremiah Mahoney Chief Bs Mate

William Roberts

Henry Payton, Mate

Nath’l Pearce, Purser

Nath’l Pearce, Jun’r, Boy

John Pearce ye 5th, Boy

Thomas Brimblecom

James Harris, Boy of Goss

Benjamin Reed [Lieutenant]

Phillip Mohyes

Joseph Proctor for son

Richard Horton, Mid’n

Joshua Goss, Mid’n [Prize Master, taken & committed to Forton Prison 28 August 1778]

Thomas Brimblecom, Jun’r, Boy

Andrew Richardson

Joseph Hobart, Mate [crossed out]

John Fowler

Thomas Colley

John Maine

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