Abel Lewelling

I represent Abel Lewelling. I was a supernumerary Seaman aboard the U.S. Sloop of War HORNET. The muster rolls seems to indicate I was working for provisions – meaning I wasn’t getting paid. I reported on board for the first time on May 18, 1821, in Havana, and got off in Pensacola on July 18, 1821. Not only did the HORNET participate in the changing of the flag ceremony on July 17, 1821, gaily decked out in Pensacola Bay for the festivities, we brought James G. Forbes from Havana to Pensacola with the official orders from the Captain General of Cuba authorizing the transfer. We were also one of the vessels that evacuated Spanish officers and citizens who were leaving Pensacola when it became American.