William Bentley, D.D., the Salem Diarist: An Early Councillor and Benefactor of the American Antiquarian Society.

A conference paper is presented about William Bentley, an early councilor and benefactor of the American Antiquarian Society (AAS), who lived in Salem, Massachusetts. The paper frequently cites Bentley's diary. It discusses the arrival of the British frigate "Shannon" into Salem. The paper also addresses church services, Bentley's relationship with Reverend Jedediah Morse, and Bentley's view on the mercantile character.