Joel Abbot (January 18, 1793 – December 14, 1855) was a U.S. naval officer who served notably in the War of 1812, and commanded a ship during Commodore Matthew Perry's 1853-1854 visit to Japan. Commodore Joel Abbot was Admiral Perry's second in command when they opened Japan in 1853–1854.
Military career
Abbot was born in Westford, Massachusetts on January 18, 1793, son of Joel and Lydia (Cummings) Abbot. He entered the Navy at the age of 19 as midshipman at the beginning of the War of 1812.
He served first on the frigate and next on Lake Champlain with Commodore Macdonough, who, when he asked Abbot if he were ready to die for his country received the reply "Certainly, sir; that is what I came into the service for." For his success in this dangerous exploit, and for his bravery in the engagement at Cumberland Head on 11 September 1814, the young officer received a sword of honor from Congress and was commissioned a lieutenant. In 1818, he was given charge of the captured pirate ship Mariana.
Abbot was promoted to commander in 1838, and the following year was given command of the Boston Navy Yard until 1842.