Raynor HCA 2014-01
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/30/2014
Chew, Thomas John (1777-1846). He entered the US Navy in 1799. He was the captain of a ship travelling to Amsterdam in 1806 and engaging in trade in Europe. In 1809, Chew returned to the Navy, receiving an appointment as purser on the John Adams . He acted in this capacity until May 1812, when he joined the crew of the Consitution as purser, serving through the ship's defeat of the Guerriere and its return to the Navy Yard in Boston late that year. After working in the Navy Yard in Boston during the winter of 1812-1813, Chew was, by May 1813, serving as purser on the Chesapeake under Captain James Lawrence. While serving onboard the Chesapeake , Chew was taken prisoner after the ship was defeated by the HMS Shannon of the Royal Navy on June 1, 1813, and held until June 17, 1813, when he was released back to Boston where he continued working for the Navy. In June 1814, Chew was ordered to report to the Oneida as its new purser, and by July of that year he was on the ship at Sackets Harbor, New York. Manuscript appointment for Chew as purser, 8” x 10”, 1pp., previous folds else VG. In full, “N’ Office, Friday 10, Mar. 09, Sir, Upon yr giving bond as required by law, you will receive your warrant as a purser in the Navy - be pleased to call at the office- Y’ obt, S.L. Andrews” ... plus, Autograph document signed twice “T.J. Chew,” while onboard the Constitution, July 10, 1812, 1pp., VG. Chew is acknowledging the receipt of 20 matreses from James Beaty. This was only one month before the defeat of the HMS Guerriere. The battle with Guerriere earned her the nickname of "Old Ironsides" and public adoration that has repeatedly saved her from scrapping.
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