Joseph Barss
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Joseph Barss (21 February 1776 in Liverpool, Nova Scotia – August 3, 1824 near Kentville, Nova Scotia) was a sea captain of the schooner Liverpool Packet, and was one of the most successful privateers on the North American Atlantic coast leading into the War of 1812.
The son of seacaptain Joseph Barss Sr. and Elizabeth Crowell, Barss' parents had married in 1773.
In 1811, Barss took command of the Liverpool Packet a captured slave ship originally named the "Black Joke", and within a year had captured at least 33 American vessels.
Following pursuit by the schooner Thomas of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Barss surrendered the Packet and docked in Portsmouth to face trial. However, Barss was set free on terms that he never return to privateering. He settled near Kentville, Nova Scotia and lived there the remainder of his life.
The Stan Roger's song, "Barrett's Privateers" is based on the exploits of Captain Joe, although the ship described in the sea shanty bore little resemblance to the sleek, fast lines of the Liverpool Packet.
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