Stephen Champlin-- Part 4: Rose Rapidly Through the Ranks

His parents moved to Lebanon, Connecticut about 1795 and Stephen worked there until he was about sixteen years old, at which time he ran away from home to go to sea.  He walked 26 miles to New London,. Ct.,  and then went to sea twice where he was impressed by the British and spent a few days aboard a warship.

However, he had a document describing him physically and saying that he was an American citizen with him that got him released.  Afterwards he went on two more voyages and rapidly rose to become second mate.

He returned to Connecticut in 1808 and because of the trade embargo went to work on farms.  In the fall of 1809, when the embargo was lifted he shipped out as a passenger on ship commanded by his uncle, Christopher R. Perry.

During the return voyage, he attained the rank of second mate.  His cousin Matthew Perry was also a crewman on this trip.  At the time, Matthew was a U.S. Navy midshipman, but on leave.

Later in 1810, Stephen shipped out again on the the Latona for Buenos Aires and again was second mate.  In the summer of 1811 he sailed to the West Indies on the brig Dove, but this time as first mate.  The captain of the Dove died of yellow fever and Stephen acted as captain on the return voyage.

--Brock-Perry