Isaac Hinckley (1783-1818) was a shipmaster from Hingham, Massachusettswho had gone to sea as a young boy, and acquired his first command at anearly age. These papers indicate that during the years 1809-1810 he wasmaster of the Brig REAPER for a trading voyage from Boston to Aden andCalcutta. He was then master of the Ship TARTER, 1812-1813, for anothervoyage to Calcutta, and then commanded the Ship CANTON for three voyagesfrom Boston to Canton, China between 1815-1818. It was during thehomeward passage of this last voyage that Issac Hinckley died (58 daysout of Macao), leaving a widow in Hingham and six children, 2 to 11 yearsof age.

The journals, account books, and correspondence that comprise the IsaacHinckley Papers reveal a prudent shipmaster and businessman, a carefulnavigator, a strict but fair disciplinarian, and a God-fearing man whopossessed both a temper and a sense of humor. The journal of the REAPER(1809-1810) is especially graphic. It contains a full page watercolorillustration entitled, "An attempt to show the Brig REAPER as sheappeared on the stock at Medford" in 1808. There are also detaileddrawings and dimensions of REAPER's sails, masts and yards; lists forcrew, stores, chandlery, carpenter's tools, water casks, arms (cannons,pistols, etc.), and other information. Other volumes note vessels spoke,identify American ships in foreign ports, an list cargo acquired atplaces like Calcutta and Canton. Together they provide a good look at ayoung American nation seeking to establish foreign commerce throughoutthe world.

1. 2. William Sturgis HINCKLEY   b. 4 Oct 1806, Barnstable, Barnstable County, Massachusetts; d. Mar 1846.
2. 3. Elizabeth Knight HINCKLEY   b. 25 Jun 1809, Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts.
3. 4. Hannah Sturgis HINCKLEY   b. 10 Nov 1813, Hingham, Plymouth, Massachusetts; d. 1 Feb 1883.
4. 5. Thomas Davis HINCKLEY   b. 20 Apr 1811, Hingham, Plymouth, Massachusetts; d. 20 Apr 1835.
5. 6. Isaac HINCKLEY   b. 28 Oct 1815, Hingham, Plymouth, Massachusetts.
6. 7. Anne Gore HINCKLEY   b. 15 Oct 1807, Barnstable, Barnstable County, Massachusetts; d. 5 Jul 1835.