Jonathan Jackson and Partners Invested in Revolutionary War Privateer 'Yankee Hero'
Jonathan Jackson, along with Nathaniel Tracy and his brother John Tracy, all wealthy Newburyport merchants, invested their capital to arm and equip the privateer vessel 'Yankee Hero' in January 1776. This brigantine, armed with seventeen guns and twelve swivel guns, was part of Newburyport's significant contribution to privateer efforts during the American Revolution. The 'Yankee Hero' initially achieved success by capturing several British supply ships, including a brig laden with coal and cheese bound for General Howe's forces in Boston. However, its final voyage in June 1776 ended in capture by the HMS Milford after a prolonged battle, leading to the imprisonment of its crew, including Captain James Tracy, Nathaniel's younger brother. Nathaniel Tracy made extensive efforts, including appeals to General George Washington, to secure the release of the captured crew, eventually succeeding in freeing 174 American prisoners held in Halifax.
