Ports of Piscataqua. Soundings in the Maritime History of the Portsmouth, N.H., Customs District from the Days of Queen Elizabeth and the Planting of Strawberry Banke to the Times of Abraham Lincoln

Ports of Piscataqua: Soundings in the Maritime History of the Portsmouth, N.H., Customs District

by William G. Saltonstall

Hardcover Cloth 244 pages. Condition Good Dust Jacket Good. Presumed First edition Second printing 1941. Attractive tan buckram boards with maroon1/8 spine and gilt embossing on this tight and sound copy with no marks, highlights or bookplates. Previous owners collection stamp on front & back endsheet, title page. Book has Slight shelf wear - front cover not flat, Bumped corners. Edges have the usual yellowing. Pages are lightly toned. Book and dust jacket have a musty odor. An unclipped dust jacket protected by mylar cover is fragile and discolored with age - tears, stains, wrinkles and chips. Not an ex-library, book club or remainder copy.

William G. Saltonstall's book, delves into the rich maritime history of the Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Customs District. Spanning from the days of Queen Elizabeth to the times of Abraham Lincoln, the book provides a comprehensive exploration of this vital coastal region. The district, which includes the historic Strawberry Banke settlement, witnessed significant developments over the centuries, from colonial trade to the heyday of American clippers. Saltonstall's meticulous research and engaging narrative shed light on the economic, social, and cultural aspects of this maritime hub.

The book begins by tracing the origins of the Portsmouth Customs District, highlighting its strategic location along the Piscataqua River. Queen Elizabeth's era saw the establishment of Strawberry Banke, a bustling port where ships loaded and unloaded goods. Saltonstall vividly describes the comings and goings of vessels, the merchants who shaped the trade routes, and the impact of international events on this coastal community. As the narrative unfolds, readers witness the rise of shipbuilding, the flourishing trade in timber, and the interactions between local residents and seafarers.

Saltonstall's exploration extends into the mid-19th century, a period marked by the waning influence of American clippers. The decline of these swift sailing vessels coincided with Abraham Lincoln's presidency and the upheaval of the Civil War. The book examines how changing economic dynamics, technological advancements, and political shifts affected the district's maritime activities. By weaving together historical accounts, personal anecdotes, and archival records, Saltonstall paints a vivid picture of the people, ships, and waterfronts that shaped the Piscataqua region.