1. John Percival moved to the merchant service, became a second mate, and while at Lisbon, he was impressed by the Royal Navy.
19 Facts About John Percival
1. 2.
John Percival was discharged in the demobilization of 1801 and went back to the merchant service.
3.
John Percival married Maria Pinkerton of Trenton, New Jersey in 1809.
4.
John Percival volunteered to end the threat, and acquired a fishing boat named Yankee.
5.
John Percival then sailed Yankee as though it was departing on a fishing voyage.
6.
John Percival brought the captured Eagle into port and delivered his prisoners to New York City's Whitehall Street docks as thousands of Americans were celebrating Independence Day.
7.
John Percival's stay proved controversial and provided fodder for writers over the years.
8.
John Percival volunteered to administer a trust set up in behalf of the men.
9.
John Percival did so over several years with prudence and faithfulness, paying out every cent to the beneficiaries or their survivors.
10.
John Percival left Cyane late in 1839 due to poor health.
11.
John Percival began the most memorable chapter of his life in November 1843.
12.
John Percival found it necessary to sail to New York to complete his 447-man crew.
13.
John Percival's orders directed him to carry the first US ambassador to Brazil, proceed to the east coast of Africa and on to the China seas, making his best way back to the United States.
14.
John Percival left New York at the end of May 1844.
15.
John Percival left a letter for the king of Cochin China demanding the bishop's release.
16.
The next day, John Percival pressed the issue by capturing three junks belonging to the king, and moved his warship closer to the local forts.
17.
In 1855, when John Percival was 76 years old, the Navy Department placed him on the newly created "Reserve List", a forerunner of the Retired List.
18.
Captain John Percival died at the age of 83 on 7 September 1862 in Dorchester, Massachusetts and is buried near his birthplace in West Barnstable's Ancient Cemetery.
19.
John Percival Drive in West Barnstable, MA is in the neighborhood of his birthplace, the homestead long since torn down.