Philemon is shown on a petition signed by David Pierce of Cape Ann, owner of the schooner "Speedwell" (Privateer) bound on voyage to Cape Francois, to bring military stores from that place asking that said Philemon be commissioned as commander of said schooner; ordered in Council, 14 November 1776, and commission issued.
Philemon is shown on a petition, dated Boston, February 2, 1781, signed by said Philemon in behalf of David Peirce, of Gloucester, asking that said Philemon Haskell be commissioned as commander of the ship "Betsey"(privateer); age, 34 years, stature, 5 ft. 9 in.; complexion, light; advised in Council February 2, 1781, that a commission be issued.
Reference
The Haskell Family in the Armed Forces, Volume 2
Editor: Peter P. Haskell, 2004
Pages 54, 75
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Philemon, who after going to sea for a few years, kept a tavern on Middle Street. It did a thriving business about the time of the Revolution, and knowing that these inns were the center of activities of their towns, we can picture the coming and going of the townspeople, great and small. We quote again: "About this time and before the regular post office was established, the people assembled twice a week at Philemon Haskell's tavern to receive the mail which was brought from Salem by messenger via the Beverly ferry.Again to quote, this time from the Days of the Spinning-wheel by Brooks: "May 24, 1788. Thirty young ladies met at the home of Capt. Philemon Haskell for the Federal spinning match and during the afternoon spun 99 skeins of excellent yarn.
Reference
Chronicles of the Haskell Family
Ira J. Haskell
Ellis Printing Company, Lynn, Massachusetts, 1943
Pages 183-184