c.1847, Joseph T. Downey, edited by Howard R. Lamar, The Cruise of Portsmouth 1845-1847, published 1958, page 216:
Nor were they long finding what they sought for; first the grub matter was hunted up, and go where you would, you was sure to meet lots of Matelo’s [matelots—sailors] wending their way to their various quarters, loaded to the bends with what they called Belly Timber.
1877 August, “The million dollar fish – a sailor’s yarn”, in The Sailor’s Magazine and Seaman’s Friend, page 233: