Notes for Thomas John Chew

Notes for Thomas John Chew

!Confirmed by Amy Whelan, Curator Assistant, USS Constitution Museum: Thomas was a Purser in US Navy, 1790-1832. Thomas was Purser aboard the USS Constitution during the battle with the HMS Guerriere in the War of 1812.

!Thomas Book-1896-by L.B. Thomas: Thomas John Chew, born Jan. 28, 1777, entered the US Navy in 1799; was commissioned Purser April 25, 1812, and was on the "Chesapeake" in her fight with the "Shannon". When Captain James Lawrence lay mortally wounded, Thomas John supported him in his arms as Captain Lawrence gave his dying command, the most famous words in US Navy history, "Don't give up the ship", later to be adopted as the Navy's motto. Thomas was also Purser of the "Washington", a seventy-four un ship, in 1819. Thomas John resigned from the Navy in 1832.

!Index of Marriages in Massachusetts Centinel and Columbian Centinel 1784 to 1840: Thomas I.Chew, purser of the U.S. Frigate Constitution, married Abby H. Hallam, in New London (CC. Sept.19, 1812)