Recollections of a Cape Cod Mariner: Elijah Cobb, 1768-1848

In 1843, at the age of 75, Elijah Cobb wrote this memoir for his grandchildren. In it, he describes his "avenchures," telling of his captures and escapes as he dodges the English and the French who close each others' ports, hoping to starve one another into submission. The confiscation of his ship and cargo by the French, his meeting with Robespierre (whose name he cannot spell), smuggling, creating alternative trade routes, beating the Embargo of 1807, being captured by the British as the War of 1812 opens -- these are recounted with wry humor and a certain flair. Edited by Deborah Hill, the memoir provides the basis for her novel This is the House.