Brief guide to manuscripts collections| William L. Clements Library The University of Michigan Chew family Papers |
Thomas J. Chew of New London, Connecticut, entered the United States Navy on March 9, 1809. He received his commission as purser three years later and acted in this capacity during the War of 1812. In the course of his service he was aboard the John Adams, the Constitution, and the Chesapeake and was stationed at various times at the Boston and Portsmouth, N.H., navy yards and at Sackett's Harbor, N.Y. Chew served as purser on the U.S.S. Washington in Mediterranean waters from 1816 to 1818. He retired from the navy in 1832 and spent the remainder of his life in Brooklyn, N.Y.
Official and private correspondence of Joseph Chew, Connecticut Loyalist, and Thomas J. Chew, purser in the United States Navy.
The collection contains approximately 200 items relating to the War of 1812. There are crew lists, pay accounts, and documents relating to Chew's agency for distributing prize money; his correspondence with his wife includes comments on a number of important naval officers. The correspondence from 1809 to 1815 is primarily related to his office as purser; full private correspondence exists for the later years.
The collection also contains approximately 50 items acquired separately and relating to Joseph Chew. An uncle of Thomas Chew, Joseph was a Loyalist from New London, Conn.
Purchased, 1968-1972
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