: UNIVERSITY UBBARY

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Gift of \- ^ I
Robert W. Neeser ^ Ai
1927

D IE E1 E 1ST C E

OP

(OF PENNSVXVAJSTIA, )

COJMMANDEE, UNITED STATES NAVY.

DEFENCE

OF

THOMPSON DAKRAH SHAW in
COMMANDER, UNITED STATES NAVY,

BEFORE THE

NAVAL COURT OF INQUIRY,
COMPOSED OF
Commodore GEORGE W. STORER, President,
Captain L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, ) Members
Captain GEORGE F. PEARSON, 5
ROBERT E. LITTLE, Esq., Judge Advocate.
CONVENED AT WASHINGTON UNDER THE ACT TO AMEND THE ACT
TO PROMOTE THE EFFICIENCY OF THE NAVT,
APPROVED JANUARY 16, 1857.
Presented and read October 19, 1857, by bis Counsel,
ROBEET K. SCOTT, Esq.
OP WASHINGTON CITY, D. C.

WASHINGTON:
HENRY POLKINHORN, PRINTER.
1857.

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DEFENCE.

Mr. President and Gentlemen of the Court :
In appearing before you, under the provisions of the act
of Congress approved January 16, 1857, I have the honor, for
the first time in my life, to have my conduct and character
made the subject of investigation before a Court of Inquiry.
I have gladly availed myself of the opportunity thus afforded
to submit to the scrutiny of my past and present official and
private life, because I was conscious that there was nothing in
either that would, if exhibited before this Court or the country,
prove me to be either mentally, morally, physically, or profes
sionally, unfit for the Naval service.
In the remarks which I shall submit to your consideration,
upon the evidence spread upon your record in this investiga
tion, I shall address your judgment and reason, and not appeal
to your kindness or generosity.
With entire confidence in your intelligence and honor, and
desire to do justice, and to decide in accordance with the evi
dence before you, I shall endeavor briefly to collate and com
ment upon it.
It.may in the first place be suggested, as a peculiarity in this
case, that not a single officer of equal or superior rank to my
self in the service has appeared or testified against me, whilst
in my favor you have the commendatory record evidence of
Commodores Alexander Wadsworth, James Biddle, M. T.
Woolsey, Daniel Turner, Charles G. Ridgeley, George W. Sto-
rer, and Josiah Tattnall ; and the oral testimony of Commo
dores M. C. Perry, E. A. F. Lavalette, and W. D. Salter ; and

Captains F. B. Ellison, Henry W. Morris ; Surgeons Charlea
D. Maxwell and Thomas Dillard ; Purser A. J. Watson ; Lieu
tenants John Wilkinson and Richard L. Tilghman, United States
Navy ; and Henry B. Nones, of the United States Revenue
Service. If the testimony of these twelve living witnesses, who have
been examined before you, together with the documentary com
mendatory evidence in my favor, on your records, of thos©
gallant and distinguished men above named, does not establisb
my entire fitness for the Naval service, under the four heads
respectively named in the act of Congress under which this
examination is made, then all evidence is futile, and the pro
ceedings a farce.
What is presented against me to meet the array of witnesses
just recited, and whose connected evidence covers my whole
life, from my entrance into the service in early boyhood to the
present time — a period of upwards of thirty-seven years ; twenty-
six of which have been in active service, and over fourteen of
them passed at sea?
The act of Congress of February 28, 1855, creating the
Naval Retiring Board, provides, "that no officers upon said
' board shall examine into or report upon the efficiency of
' officers of a grade above them." By the action of the board
created under this act, I was placed upon the " reserved list" —
upon what grounds or for what reason I have never been able
to ascertain, and do not now know.
The establishment of this Court was caused by the manner
in which the act referred to was carried out by the board con
vened under its authority ; and in the face of the proviso above
quoted, but three officers are found to appear against me — all
of whom are much my juniors in years, service, and rank.
A brief review and consideration of their statements will show
the very little value (if any) that they are entitled to. These
three persons are Lieutenants C. B. Poindexter, B. N. West-
cott, and George P. Welsh.

The substance of the statement of the first named is, that he
was First Lieutenant of the United States brig " Pioneer,"
under my command, which in October, 1844, was caught in a
hurricane, when about 200 miles from Bermuda, on her passage
from Rio de Janeiro to Norfolk ; that I lost my self-possession
on that occasion, and retired from the deck to my cabin, where
I remained till some time the next day ; that, upon his sending
to me to know what I wished to be done, I sent for him to my
cabin door, and said to him, " What can I do ? — I am sick, and
give up the command, and that he might do as he pleased ;"
that he had not spoken to me since he left that vessel, and had
no reason for not speaking to me, except that he did not admire
me ; and another reason was, that an account of the hurricane
had been published in a Norfolk newspaper, which gave credit
to me for my conduct, and that he had heard that I had dicta
ted the article.
Upon bearing this most extraordinary narrative of Lieuten
ant Poindexter, I immediately applied for and obtained sum
monses for Lieutenants W. C. B. S. Porter and Chas. C. Simms,
and Dr. John Messersmith — the other officers on board at the
time referred to ; but on inquiring at the Navy Department
for their whereabouts, was informed that the two former were
on service at sea, and the latter was at San Francisco. Find
ing therefore that it was impracticable for me to contradict the
statement of Lieutenant Poindexter by producing any of these
witnesses, as they were out of reach, I had search made for
the log-book of the " Pioneer," which, on being found and ex
hibited to the Court, it became apparent that the allegation of
my having left the deck, and not returned to it until some time
next day, was not true.
I assert, on my honor as an officer and a gentleman, that the
words ascribed to me by this witness, about my being sick and
giving up the command, are as utterly without foundation in
truth as is his statement that I left the deck'and did not return
to it until some time next day.

The log-book shows that I kept the watch from 6 to 8, P. M.,
on the afternoon of the day he says I remained in the cabin,
and that the brig was at that time lying to. And it further
shows that he did not keep the watch from 8 to 12, noon, of
that day.
This witness states that he has no animosity against me. If
he entertains none, I am at a loss for his motive in treasuring
up in his recollection the details of what was done on board the
vessel, on that occasion, to secure her safety. What he states
about my differing with him as to the proper measures to take
to preserve the brig is correct ; and the propriety of my views
on the subjeot is shown by the fact, that she safely weathered
the storm. The Court, who are experts, can determine whether
his or my judgment was best under the circumstances, as he
narrated them, and as shown by the log-book.
It is not necessary further to occupy your time by dwelling
upon the testimony of this witness, for whose admiration or ani
mosity towards me I am alike indifferent. It may not be amiss,
however, to state that the real cause of bis not speaking to me
since leaving the Pioneer, was, because he felt himself uncom
fortable on board of her, and was desirous of service in a larger
vessel, where he would have more extensive accommodations
and greater comfort. Being discontented with his position, he
was careless and unofficer-like in his way of carrying on duty,
for which he occasionally merited and received my disapproval,
I was no way instrumental in having him ordered to the Pio
neer. It was my duty to see that Mr. Poindexter performed
his, while on board that vessel, and thus I incurred his ill-will.
Our acquaintance, however, was purely official, nor was there
then or now any desire on my part that it should be otherwise.
As to the statement that he had beard that I dictated the
report of the gale published in the newspaper at Norfolk, and
that it gave me credit for my conduct on the occasion, I can
only say, that I had not been on shore when the publication
appeared, nor had I any knowledge of it whatever until I saw

it in print ; and, to the best of my recollection, there was no
creditable notice of me in it at all. Be that as it may, how
ever, I had nothing to do with the preparation or publication
of the article, and have never seen or thought of it since.
Messrs. Westcott and Welsh, the remaining two witnesses,
testify that, in their opinion, I was nervous or timid on duty ;
and they arrived at this conclusion by my conduct in the man
agement of the Petrel, under my command, at the taking of
Tuspan. Mr. Westcott states that " this is the only matter
* that caused me to think he showed timidity when on duty ;"
that he served with me in the Petrel about six weeks or two
months, and that is all the service he had ever had with me.
Mr. Welsh states that he was a passed midshipman on board
the Petrel; that he served in her under my command about
six months, during the Mexican war, in the Gulf of Mexico ;
that he had no other service with me. He alleges that " Cap-
' tain Shaw kept his vessel out of the fight in the affair at Tus-
* pan, by not making all sail ;" that the firing from the Petrel
commenced a long distance off from the first fort ; and that
" he has frequently been twitted by officers as having been in
' the vessel that came in last at Tuspan." He further mentions
that he was suspended from duty by Commander Shaw, subse
quent to the attack on Vera Cruz, but prior to the attack on
Tuspan.. Mr. Welsh is of opinion that the holding back of
the Petrel on this occasion was generally observed at the time,
and the cause of it understood ; whilst Mr. Westcott thinks it
was not generally observed and commented upon until they
began talking of it themselves, since when he has beard it com
mented on a hundred times.
These two young gentlemen, of the then rank of passed
midshipmen, whose service with me was for so short a period,
and whose capacity for forming a correct opinion, owing to
their youth and inexperience, of the conduct of their com
manding officer may well be questioned, are confronted by
Commodore Perry, who was present and in command, and un-

8
der whose orders I acted. He testifies as to my manner of
doing my duty on the occasion referred to, that I carried out
my orders precisely as I was directed to do, and to his entire-
satisfaction. What says Commodore Perry in his oral testimony before-
the court ? He says : " Commander Shaw served under my
' command about a year, during the Mexican war ; part of the
' time he was under the command of Commodore Connor, to
' whom I was junior, and second in command. Shaw's rank
' was that of a lieutenant commanding. He commanded a gun-
' boat called the Petrel. From my knowledge of Commander
c Shaw, I consider him to be mentally, morally, physically, and
' professionally qualified for the naval service. I consider him
' fit in all these respects."
In answer to a question of the Judge Advocate, as to whether
be had seen me in the performance of duties calculated to test
my efficiency as an officer in command, Commodore Perry re
plied : " Yes. The Petrel was engaged in the bombardment
' of Vera Cruz, and was attached to the light squadron under
' Captain Tatnall, and was engaged at the capture of Tampico,
' and at Tuspan, and at the taking of the town of Panuco, and
' in carrying despatches ; and he (Shaw) managed his vessel al-
' ways to my satisfaction."
What is the evidence of Captain, now Commodore Josiah
Tatnall, as to my conduct in the war with Mexico ? He says :
" I served with Commander Shaw in the Gulf of Mexico, du-
' ring the Mexican war. He (Shaw) was in command of the
' Petrel, and I of the Spitfire." To the 4th interrogatory pro
pounded to him, viz: "From your knowledge thus derived of
' him, what is your estimate of his moral, mental, professional,
' and physical fitness for the naval service ?" he answers : " That
' he is qualified on all these points." He further states that
"he (Shaw) commanded the Petrel in a detachment of the
' squadron under my command, in covering the landing of the
troops at Vera Cruz ; subsequently in the bombardment of the

9
' town and castle ; and again in the capture of the town of
' Panuco, in the river of that name. He discharged all his
' duties to my satisfaction. He is referred to formally in my
' report of the capture of Panuco."
In this connection of my conduct whilst in command of the
Petrel, in the Gulf of Mexico, during the war, I beg leave to
call the attention of the. court to the letters of Commodores
Connor and Perry, and also to that of Commodore Perry, ad
dressed to the Secretary of the Navy, and which is as follows :
U. S. Flag Ship Mississippi,
Anton Lizardo, May 8, 1847.
Sir : The return of Lieut. Commandant T. D. Shaw to the
United States by permission of the Navy Department, makes
it my duty to express to you the high sense I entertain of the
value of the services rendered by him, in command of the Uni
ted States schooner Petrel.
In this little vessel, with the sacrifice of the comforts to which
bis position in the navy might have entitled him, Lieutenant
Shaw has served with distinguished merit throughout the war,
taking part in all but one of the attacks that have occurred,
and always handling his vessel with great skill and gallantry.
For these reasons I beg leave to commend him, and his offi
cers and crew, to the favorable notice of the Department.
With great respect, I am, sir, your most obedient servant,
M. C. PERRY,
Commanding Home Squadron.
Hon. John Y. Mason,
Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.
A copy of this letter of Commodore Perry was enclosed to
me by the Hon. John Y. Mason, then Secretary of the Navy,
under date of the 28th of June, 1847, in a letter which reads
as follows : Navy Department, June 28, 1847.
Sir : I have the pleasure to enclose herewith a copy of a let
ter of commendation from Commodore M. C. Perry, dated
May 8, 1847, and to express to you the satisfaction with which
the Department has received from your commanding officer this
2

10
testimonial of your skill and gallantry while in command of the
United States schooner Petrel, attached to the home squadron,
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J * J. Y. MASON.
Lieut. T. D. Shaw,
U. S. Navy, Washington, D. C.
Strange to say, neither the letter of Commodore Perry nor
that of Commodore Connor can now be found on the files of
the Navy Department. The loss or mislayal of Commodore
Perry's letter was of no detriment to me, inasmuch as, being
present before you, he verified the copy of his letter which
was exhibited to him.
The letters of the late Commodore Connor I cannot thus
verify ; and it therefore remains for me but to present to the
consideration of the Court that their receipt was acknowledged
by the Secretary of the Navy, and to ask that the copies
which I present may be considered as a part of my defence,
and have, in that shape, whatever weight the Court in their
judgment may consider them entitled to.
Princeton, (off Laguna,) Monday.
My Dear Shaw : I am much obliged to you for the hat you
were so good as to send me. Like all Mexican hats, it is too
small for my head.
It was my intention to have paid you a visit, but I have been
detained so long about the water that I fear I shall not be
able to do so. The men you are in want of I will endeavor to
send to you, and, if possible, to relieve both Sands and your
self in time for the great event you speak of.
I have sent you a great many papers, amongst which you
will be able to learn all the news.
Very truly, yours, &c, D. CONNOR.
Lieut. Comm't Shaw.
U. S. Frigate Raritan,
Sacrifioios, March 20, 1847.
Sir: On the eve of resigning the command of the home
squadron, I avail myself of the occasion to fulfil a very pleas
ing duty, in bearing testimony to the zeal and ability with
which you have on all occasions performed your duty while

11
under my command, and to express to you my very sincere
wishes for your happiness and prosperity.
Respectfully, yours, &c, ' D. CONNOR,
Commanding Home Squadron.
Lieut. Comm't Shaw,
United States Schooner Petrel.
In further connexion with my conduct in the Gulf, I refer
to the testimony of Captain H. B. Nones, of the United States
Revenue Service, who, in command of the United States cut
ter Crawford, was attached to and acted with the naval forces
in the Gulf during the war with Mexico. He says : " I bad
' an opportunity of seeing Commander Shaw under trying
* circumstances. I observed him particularly for his coolness
i and the seamanlike manner in which he handled his vessel.
' Our vessels were placed in a perilous position. We were
' then in tow of the revenue steamer McLean, which got ashore
' on the bar, and placed us all in that position that it required
' a man of nerve and mind to extricate his vessel from the dif-
' ficulty. The Petrel came afoul of my vessel and unshipped the
* port after-gun, and by Commander Shaw's seamanlike manozw-
' vers we were extricated. His conduct was excellent through-
i out the whole affair. My acquaintance with Commander
' Shaw is of long standing. I observed his coolness, and skill-
' ful and seamanlike manner of handling his vessel generally.
1 This occurred during the attack upon Alvarado, and whilst we
4 were under fire from the forts> the Petrel swung into us. I
i think we were distant about one mile and a quarter from the
' forts; we were within range."
The opinion of this experienced and veteran officer, so well
known and appreciated for skill and gallantry acquired by so
many years of service on our coast, in all seasons, is of it
self sufficient refutation of charges of want of nerve and cool
ness, arising from the gossipping of the steerage, or from the
imagination of inexperienced midshipmen.
Having thus, I trust, shown conclusively, that my conduct

n
m the Gulf, in command of the Petrel, during the Mexican warv
met the approval of my superior officers, I cannot doubt that
this court will be satisfied that there was nothing committed or
omitted on my part, whilst on that duty, evincing unfitness for
the naval service.
The next point to which the Judge Advocate directed the
attention of the court was my command of the United States
ship Falmouth during; her cruise in the West Indies, in the
years 1854 and 1855 ; and he called on behalf of the Govern
ment, Lieutenant John Wilkinson, United States Navy, who
testified, after saying that I was the commander of the ship,.
and he the third lieutenant, as follows *
" I observed no-peculiarity of character about him — he kept
' the ship in very good order. The Falmouth was in the home
' squadron, serving in the West Indies at the time. From my
4 observation of him, I consider him, as far as my personal
' knowledge goes, fit for the naval service, morally, mentally?'
4 physically, and professionally."
This witness was subsequently recalled by the Judge Advo--
cate, and interrogated as to whether I had not omitted to take1
notice of the irregularities that occurred on shore among some
of the officers of the Falmouth. He replied that he had no-
knowledge of any irregularities havifig occurred ashore among
the officers of the Falmouth, except from hearsay as to what
took place at St. Thomas ; and that he does not know that the
matter was brought to my attention at all ; that no official cog
nizance was taken of it ; that one of the officers of the ship1
was intoxicated on board of her at Norfolk, and that the firs*
and second lieutenants should have taken notice of it, but that
he is positive I was ashore at the time, and that he does not
know whether the matter was reported to me or not ; and that
no official notice was taken of it.
Upon the testimony of Lieut. Wilkinson there is no occasion
to dwell, except to say that in this investigation I expected
that it was upon the judgment and by the opinions of my supe-

13
fiors and equals in rank in the service I should stand or fall, and
therefore called in my behalf as witnesses, none below my own
grade in the service. And although in the four commands with
Which I have been honored by the Government, I have always
insisted on being captain of my own ship, and in no respect
subject to the dictation or interference of the officers under my
command, still I did not consider myself placed by my Gov
ernment over them in the position of a spy ; nor did I consider
it my duty to inquire into their conduct ashore. Had any ir
regularities been reported to me, or come under my observation,
afloat or ashore, I should most assuredly have noticed them in
such manner as they deserved.
Whilst my conduct in the command of the "Falmouth" is
under consideration, it may not be out of order to notice the
testimony of Lieutenant Richard L. Tilghman of the United
States Navy. This gentleman, although summoned on behalf of
the government, the judge advocate declined to call as a witness.
I therefore, as he was in attendance, requested that he might
be examined ; and having been accordingly sworn, he testified
that he visited the Falmouth at Havana, whilst under my
' command, and that " he went through every part of her, fore
' and aft, very carefully, and found the vessel throughout to be
* very clean, and in most beautiful order." He further says :
" If I could judge of hie (Commander Shaw's) fitness for the
' Naval service by the warlike appearance of his vessel, I should
' say, that in my opinion, Commander Shaw is fit for the office
' of a Commander in the Navy. I was the First Lieutenant of
' the Cyane at the time I visited the Falmouth."
In reply to a question from the Court, as to whether he had
witnessed the crew of the Falmouth exercised at the battery,
&c, he replied, that he had not, but that he had closely exam
ined the battery and small' arms, and that they were all in per
fect order ; and that he had witnessed the operations of loosing
and furling the sails of the Falmouth, and that "it was re
markably well done, in a prompt and man-of-war-like manner."

14
The testimony of Lieutenant Tilghman — an officer of known
experience and intelligence — requires no comment. It speaks
for itself, and is its own best commentary. With his and Lieu
tenant Wilkinson's evidence, and no one to gainsay them, I
have a right to assume, that in the judgment of this Court, there
can be no doubt but that my conduct while in command of the
Falmouth showed no want of fitness, mentally, morally, physi-1
cally, or professionally, for the office of a Commander in the
Navy of the United States, on the "Active List."
Before leaving the subject of my command of the Falmouth,
as it is upon your record, perhaps I ought to notice the matter
of the letter of Charles W. Welsh, Esq., Acting Secretary of the
Navy, to me, requiring an explanation as to my being absent
from the ship on a certain day while in New York, and by
whose authority I was absent. The Judge Advocate stated,
when the letter was presented and put in evidence before the
Court, in reply to the request of my counsel that he ought also
to lay before the Court the explanation required, (which was on
file in the Navy Department, and perfectly satisfactory,) that
no such explanation could be found. On application to Mr.
Welsh, at the Navy Department, that gentleman himself searched
for and found the required explanation called for in the letter,
which was perfectly satisfactory to the Department, and when
exhibited to this Court, was to them, and they directed it
should be so entered on the record. The explanation had, by
mistake of a clerk, been bound up in the wrong letter book.
This, I believe, constitutes a full review of all that has been
alleged against me, except the testimony of William Badger,
Esq., recently appointed Navy Agent at Philadelphia.
The relations existing between Mr. Badger and myself, which
it is unnecessary to explain here, are such, that I presume he
would not have appeared on the stand against me, as a witness
in this Court, had it not been that the office he now holds made
it incumbent upon him to obey the summons of the Secretary
of the Navy. It is sufficient for me at present, and in this

15
Court, to say, that Mr. Badger's memory is defeotive upon the
conversation he has related.
It was not my intention to have referred to the matter of
the presentation to me, by my friends and fellow-citizens of
Philadelphia, of the testimonial mentioned by Mr. Badger ; and
although I am at a loss to perceive its relevancy to the inquiry
before this Court, yet, as this testimony has been received and
placed upon your record, it becomes my duty to notice it. In
doing so, I beg to premise that I did and do feel proud of the
approbation of so many of the most respected and gifted of my
fellow-citizens of Philadelphia, and shall always cherish the
tokens of their regard, and hand them down to my children as
a rich legacy of the esteem in which their father was held by
men whose approbation every honorable man would strive to
obtain, and which none but the deserving would be able to secure.
The compliment was intended not alone for me personally, but
for the Naval officers employed in the Gulf during the war with
Mexico generally, as it seems from the correspondence on the
subject, which I now read, and desire to be considered as a
part of my defence. •
Philadelphia, February 22, 1848.
Dear Sir : A number of your friends and fellow-citizens of
Philadelphia, entertaining a just sense of your active and effi
cient services in the Gulf of Mexico, when in command of the
United States schooner Petrel, attached to our naval squadron
there, in service since the commencement of the existing war,
have determined to present you with the accompanying sword
and epaulettes, as a token of their high appreciation of your
gallant and meritorious conduct while performing duty on that
boisterous and perilous station.
In conformity with that design, and in view of its being ap
propriately carried into effect, they have conferred on the un
dersigned the pleasing duty of tendering for your acceptance
these well-merited, though but slight testimonials of their ap
probation and esteem.
We are not unmindful, in connexion with this subject, that
the chances for the display of naval prowess given to our offi
cers and seamen on the ocean, have not, in the present war,

16
been proportionate to the opportunities afforded for military
achievments, to those in station, and the soldiers engaged in
our victorious armies on the field.
When we reflect, however, upon the innumerable hardships,
discomforts, and dangers from tempest and disease, as well as
the battle's strife, to which the former have been so repeatedly
exposed— recollecting at the same time the fearless and noble
manner in which they have uniformly sustained themselves in
all emergencies, and are reminded, in recurring to the language
of Commodore Perry, that, " with the sacrifice of comforts to
' which your position in the navy might have entitled you, you
* served with distinguished merit throughout the war, taking
' part in all but one of the attacks that have occurred, and al-
' ways handling your vessel with great skill and gallantry."
We cannot remain unconscious of the claims of the navy upon
the consideration of the American public, nor of yours as a
Pennsylvanian, upon the citizens of your native State, and
your associates and fellow-townsmen of this, the city of your
birth. Entertaining such views, and cordially proffering you the tes
timonials adverted to, we are, with sincere wishes for your health
and prosperity, Very truly your friends,
. JOHN SWIFT,
JAMES PAGE,
HENRY LELAR,
EDWARD HURST,
GEO. L. NORTON,
WM. S. LEIPER,
GEO. F. LEHMAN,
JOSEPH R. CHANDLER,
JOHN K. MITCHELL,
JAMES R. SNOWDEN,
BENJAMIN CHAMPNEYS,
MORTON McMICHAEL,
JOSIAH RANDALL.
Lieut. T. D. Shaw, U. S. Navy.

Philadelphia, February 22, 1847.
Gentlemen: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt
of your letter of this date, accompanied by an elegant sword
and pair of epaulettes, which my too generous fellow-citizens

17
have seen fit to present, in token of their approbation of my
conduct while on service in the Gulf of Mexico.
I shall cherish and preserve their flattering testimonial ; and
to me it will ever prove the incentive to duty in the cause of my
country. I sincerely thank you for the kind terms in which you have
been pleased to convey the sentiments of those you represent,
and for your high appreciation of the navy, and beg you to
accept the assurance of my consideration and esteem.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, gentlemen, your
obedient servant,
T. D. SHAW,
United States Navy.
To Hon. John Swift, George F. Lehman, Esq., James Page, Esq.,
Joseph R. Chandler, Esq., James R. Snowden, Esq., John
K. Mitchell, M. D., and others, Committee.
Having now noticed all that has been presented against me,
and, as I trust, shown the groundlessness of what has been
adduced to my prejudice, I shall occupy but \ few minutes
of the time of the Court in dwelling upon the testimony
in my behalf. In regard to the commendatory evidence
before you in my favor, from the records of the Navy Depart
ment, from the various Commodores and Captains with whom I
have sailed or been associated with on duty afloat and ashore,
it would be superfluous for me to comment. Nothing that I or
anybody else could say would add to or detract from the weight
of their testimony. I am proud of the unbroken chain of
meritorious service which their evidence establishes.
It may not be amiss, however, to refer to the testimony of
Dr. Thomas Dillard, Surgeon United States Navy, a gentle
man who has been in the service upwards of thirty-three years,
twelve of which have been passed at sea. He testifies that he
sailed with me in the frigate Constitution, in the Pacific, in the
years 1829, 1830, and 1831 ; that I went out as fourth lieu
tenant, and afterwards became third and second lieutenant,
and came home as first lieutenant ; that he has known me
ever since that time, having lived in the same town with me ;
that he believes me to be fully competent for the naval service
3

18
in all respects, mentally, morally, professionally, and physi
cally. He further states that during the whole three years of
this cruise I was a watch officer, except while I was the execu
tive officer, and that I was never on the sick list. He men
tions, moreover, that in going round Cape Horn, we encoun
tered a gale of wind lasting between two and three weeks ;
that he was frequently on deck during its continuance, and
observed my conduct whilst I was in charge ; and that I ex
hibited promptness, energy, and firmness in the discharge of
my duty. He also mentions that the ship, on her passage
home, encountered a severe gale of wind off Bermuda, in which
she lost some of her sails, and was in danger ; that he was on
deck, saw me on the forecastle, and heard me giving my orders,
and that I "was calm and self-possessed on the occasion;"
that he never saw any want of firmness or self-possession about
me, nor did he ever hear any of the officers of the ship say so.
He added, also, that he had frequently heard the late Commo
dore Turner speak highly of my skill and ability and that he
always considered the ship safe in my hands.
The favorable opinion entertained of me by Commodore
Turner is shown by his letter, which is on your record, inviting
me to apply for the command of a brig in the squadron on the
Brazil station, when he was appointed to that command.
Dr. Charles D. Maxwell, surgeon United States navy, says
that he sailed with me nearly three years in the Constitution,
in 1839, '40, '41, and that he has known me from that time ;
and agrees in opinion with Dr. Dillard as to my entire fitness
under the four heads named in the act.
Commodore W. D. Salter states that we served together,
first, on board the Constitution, in the Mediterranean, in 1821,
'22, and subsequently, in 1826, '27, '28, on board the Macedo
nian, under Commodore Biddle, on the aoast of Brazil; that
part of the time on the Macedonian, I was an acting lieutenant
by appointment of Commodore Biddle, and had charge of a
watch ; that I always discharged my duty with energy, and

19
that, from his knowledge of me, he considers me mentally, mo
rally, physically, and professionally qualified for the naval ser
vice, and that I showed aptitude for the service.
A commendatory testimonial of my conduct on board the
Macedonian by the late Commodore Biddle, is contained among
the certified documents placed upon the record of this case.
It is not, however, necessary to dwell upon, or notice in de
tail the evidence of all the witnesses in my favor. Suffice it
to say that they, one and all, unite in the opinion, so far as
their opportunities enable them to judge, that I am fit and com
petent for the service in each of the four requisites. Such
being the case, I ask, in conclusion, can this Court doubt it ?
Can any man of common sense disbelieve it ?
It may be asked why, as I am now on the " Reserved List,"
I am not content to remain there, and spend the balance of my
days in comparative ease and idleness. The answer is, because
I believe my duty to my country, my profession, and my own
pride of character and self respect, requires that I should en
deavor to regain my proper position upon the " Active List."
If I were broken down and enfeebled by wounds or disease, or
afflicted by bodily disability, the case would be different ; but
as it is, being blessed with good health, and in the vigor of
mature manhood, I cannot silently assent to the deprivation of
what I conceive to be my rights.
During my whole naval career, I have never disobeyed an
order or neglected my duty in any particular ; have never been
arraigned before a court martial, or court of inquiry ; have
never been suspended from duty by a superior officer for a sin
gle moment ; nor have I ever been reprimanded or censured in
any way.
With such antecedents, then, who, with a spark of manly
feeling or professional pride, would submit unresistingly to the
action of a secret conclave whose decision may have resulted
from envy and jealousy, or hatred and malice, fostered in the
hearts of a few of its members ?

20
I have appealed to you, the only tribunal open to me for
redress, and relying upon your impartiality and judgment for
a favorable decision, I leave my case with you, and in so doing
beg leave to thank you for the patient and attentive hearing
you have given to it, and for courtesy extended to myself.
T. DARRAH SHAW,
Commander, United States Navy,
October 19, 1857.

NOTE.

Owing to the illness of Purser Francis B. Stockton, U. S. N.,
at Baltimore, he was unable to attend as a witness before the
court ; and, from the same cause, the answers to the interroga
tories sent to him were not received until the trial was over,
and the record transmitted to the Department. The answers
of Purser Stockton were transmitted to the Secretary of the
Navy, who directed that they should be placed on file in the
Department, along with the record of the case.

Answers to interrogatories to Purser Francis B. Stockton, on
behalf of Commander Thompson D. Shaw, U. S. N., in the
proceedings of the Naval Court of Inquiry, now pending at
Washington, under the act of January 16, 1857.
First. I do know Commander Thompson D. Shaw, and have
known him nearly three years.
Second. I have served with said ShaW on board the United
States ship Falmouth, attached to the United States Home
Squadron on West India station ; served with him from Octo
ber 21, 1854, to August 23, 1855. He was commander of the
ship at that time, and I the purser.
Third. Whilst in command, his conduct was that of an offi
cer and a gentleman, so far as came under my observation.
Fourth. So far as my knowledge of Commander Shaw ex
tends, I can state, in my judgment, he is mentally, physically,
professionally, and morally qualified for the office of commander

22
in the navy ; and capable of performing all the duties of said
office both afloat and ashore.
In answer to cross-interrogatory by Judge Advocate. — I was
never so circumstanced as to see him otherwise than cool and
self-possessed.
FRANCIS B. STOCKTON.
True copy :
Chas. W. Welsh,
Chief Clerk Navy Department.
October 22, 1857.

APPENDIX.

COPIES OF OFFICIAL LETTERS AND PAPERS RELATING
TO THE PROFESSIONAL LIFE OF T. DARRAH SHAW,
COMMANDER U. S. NAVY.

United States Frigate Constellation, August 11, 1820.
Sir : I have authorized your transfer to the John Adams,
agreeably to your wish. I cannot, however, permit you to de
part without expressing my regret at our separation. Your
conduct since you have been under my command has met my
entire approbation, and I have so stated it to the honorable
Secretary of the Navy, that, in case you should be induced to
change your mind and remain in the service, you may find no
difficulty in retaining your warrant.
Wishing you health and happiness, I subscribe myself your
friend, CHARLES G. RIDGELEY.
Midshipman Thompson D. Shaw.

Philadelphia, March 11, 1825.
Sir : I will thank you for orders to the frigate Constellation,
or such other vessel or service as you may think proper.
I have the honor of being, sir, your obedient servant,
THOMPSON D. SHAW.
Hon. Samuel L. Southard, Secretary of the Navy.

Philadelphia, December 1, 1825.
Sir : If it meets your approbation, I will thank you for

24
orders to the United States schooner Porpoise, or permission
to go out in her and join the Mediterranean squadron.
I have the honor of being, sir, your obedient servant,
THOMPSON D. SHAW.
Hon. Samuel L. Southard, Secretary of the Navy.

Philadelphia, January 10, 1826.
Sir : I have been advised by some of my friends to make
application to your honor to appear before the Board for ex
amination. I have felt a delicacy in doing so, fearful that my
application might be out of order. Being assured by these
friends there would be no impropriety in doing so, I make the
application. Should your honor, allow me to appear before the board of
examination, I shall feel myself much gratified.
I have the honor of being, sir, your obedient servant,
THOMPSON D. SHAW.
Hon. Samuel L. Southard, Secretary of the Navy.

Navy Department, January 13, 1826.
Sir : The request contained in your letter of the 10th in
stant cannot be complied with, the Department having decided
that Midshipmen of your date cannot now be examined.
Respectfully, &c, SAMUEL L. SOUTHARD.
Midshipman T. D. Shaw, United States Navy, Philadelphia.

Philadelphia, April 4, 1826.
Sir : Having understood that the frigate Macedonian is fit
ting out for a cruise, and being desirous of sea service, I take
leave to request orders to that ship. I am authorized in saying
that my application meets the approbation of Captain Biddle.
I have the honor to be, sir, with great respect, your obedi
ent servant, THOMPSON D. SHAW.
Hon. Samuel L. Southard, Secretary of the Navy.

25

U. S. Frigate Macedonian, River Plate, January 1, 1827.
Sir : The object of this letter is to address you on the sub
ject of my examination, and, if it meets your approbation, to
obtain leave to return to the United States. I have every
reason to believe that my date of warrant will be examined
next fall, and it is my earnest wish and great desire to be pre
sent when my date is called on for examination. To accom
plish this (to me) great and important object, I beg leave to ask
your permission to return to the United States in the Cyane.
I am very fearful that by being absent from the United
States when my date of warrant is ordered for examination, I
may not be promoted as soon as otherwise I should, nor obtain
so good a number.
With hopes that you will take my case under yonr consider
ation, I have the honor of being, sir, your obedient servant,
THOMPSON D. SHAW.
Captain James Biddle, United States Navy.

Frigate Macedonian, January 1, 1827.
Sir : I have received your letter. If I believed it possible
that you could be injured in your promotion, or in your rela
tive rank, by being absent from the United States on duty
when the midshipmen of your date were called up for examina
tion, I certainly would accede to your wish of returning home
in the Cyane. The length of your service aboard this ship
having given me an opportunity of forming an opinion of your
qualifications and merits, I feel it my duty to contribute toward
your advancement in the service ; but it is at least doubtful
whether there will be any examination next autumn, and it is
quite certain that your absence on duty cannot operate to your
disadvantage in respect to rank. To this effect the note of the
Navy Department in the Navy Register is explicit. Never
theless, in justice to you, I will communicate to the Navy De
partment that you had requested permission to return home
4

26
in the Cyane, to be at hand for examination, and that I had
not deemed it advisable to grant your request.
Respectfully, your most obedient,
JAMES BIDDLE.
Midshipman Shaw, Frigate Macedonian.

4
U. S. Frigate Macedonian, Rio Janeiro, July 5, 1828.
Sir : This ship being short of her complement, I hereby ap
point you an acting lieutenant ; this appointment is to continue
only during your continuance abroad ; and at your return to
the United States you will transmit this letter to the Secretary
of the Navy, that he may revoke or confirm your appointment,
according as he sees fit.
Respectfully, your most obedient,
JAMES BIDDLE.
Midshipman Thompson D. Shaw. U. S. Ship Macedonian, Rio Janeiro.

U. S. Frigate Macedonian, Rio de Janeiro, July 7, 1828.
Sir: You have had the goodness to confer on me the ap
pointment of lieutenant to this ship, for which please accept
my warmest thanks.
I am happy, sir, when I think that I have served under your
command for more than three years, and that my conduct has
met your approbation. I assure you, sir, no exertion shall be
spared to continue to merit your good opinion.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
THOMPSON D. SHAW.
Captain James Biddle, U. S. Navy.

U. S. Ship Macedonian, Harbor of Rio de Janeiro, July 9, 1828.
Midshipman Thompson D. Shaw, since he was attached to
the Macedonian, in 1826, has received instruction from me in
navigation ; he has repeatedly recited to me all the rules in

27
"Bowditch's Practical Navigation," and, as we have been
much at sea, I have had sufficient opportuninities of knowing
him to be acquainted with their application to practice. He
understands the use of the quadrant and sextant, the chronom
eter, and such other instruments as are commonly used in navi
gating* I give it, therefore, as my opinion that he is well pre
pared for examination in the department of mathematics.
During our long cruise together I have become intimately
acquainted with Mr. Shaw, and say without scruple, that I
think him a young gentleman of honor, integrity, and real
worth. I take pleasure in being able to give this testimony in his
favor, and embrace the opportunity to express my acknowledg
ments to him, as well for his attention and industry as for the
respect and friendship he has always manifested towards me.
LEVI FLETCHER,
Chaplain and Teacher of Mathematics.

Frigate Macedonian, November 7, 1828.
Thompson D. Shaw has served in this ship, under my com
mand, from May, 1826, to July 5, 1828, as a midshipman, and
from July 6, 1828, to this date, as a lieutenant. In both sta
tions, and throughout, his deportment has merited and received
my approbation.
JAMES BIDDLE.

Washington, November 17, 1828.
Sir : I have received your letter of the 6th instant, request
ing a letter from me, to be presented to the Board of Examina
tion at New York. I presume that the letter you mention from
Captain Biddle will be sufficient for the Board, as you have
sailed with him more recently. Should more be required, how
ever, I state, with pleasure, that your conduct during the short

28
cruise with me, on board the John Adams in 1820, was such a$
to meet my approbation ; and I hope that the result of your
examination may give you a fair standing among those of your
date who have already passed.
With respect, your obedient servant,
ALEXANDER S. WADSWORTH.
Midshipman Thompson D. Shaw, U. S. Navy.

Navy Yard, near Portsmouth, N. H., Nov. 20, 1828.
Dear Sir : Your letter of the 6th instant I have received.
I with pleasure can say, that while on board the frigate Consti
tution, commanded by Commodore Jones, your correct deport
ment met my approbation, and, I believe, that of the other
officers generally.
With best wishes for your success, I remain yours, &c.
GEORGE WASHINGTON STORER.
Thompson D. Shaw, U. S. Navy.

U. S. Navy Yard, New York,  , 1828.
The undersigned, captains in the Navy of the United States,
appointed by the honorable the Secretary of the Navy a board
of officers for the examination of midshipmen, certify that Mid
shipman Thompson D. Shaw has passed in seamanship, mathe
matics, and navigation, and we consider him fit for promotion.
J. CHAUNCEY, President.
J. D. ELLIOT,
GEORGE W. RODGERS,
GEORGE C. READ,
HENRY E. BALLARD.

Philadelphia, June 16, 1829.
Sir : I learn that there is at present a vacancy at the ren
dezvous in this city. Permit me to solicit orders for that duty,

29
tintil my services are required at sea. My last service was
during the cruise of the frigate Macedonian, under the com
mand of Captain James Biddle.
I have the honor to be, sir, with great respect, your obedient
servant, THOMPSON D. SHAW.
Hon. John Branch, Secretary of the Navy,
Note. — The United States frigate Macedonian returned from a cruise on
the Brazil station November 1828, after an absence of two years and a half.
T. D. S.

Gosport Navy Yard, Ya., October 12, 1831.
Sir : I have the honor to inform you that I reported myself
for duty on board the schooner Shark, in compliance with your
orders of the 27th ultimo.
I am, respectfully, sir, your obedient servant,
THOMPSON D. SHAW.
Hon. Levi Woodbury, Secretary of the Navy.

U. S. Schr. Shark, Gosport Navy Yard, Va., Nov. 18, 1531.
Sir : I am this morning put in possession of letters from my
family and friends, which announce to me the sudden death of
a daughter, (the second which I have had the misfortune to lose
within the last three months,) and it has produced on the mind
of Mrs. Shaw such feelings of distress and melancholy as is
thought, by my friends, can only be removed by time and my
presence. I therefore beg leave, respectfully, to submit my
situation to your consideration.
I have the honor to be, sir, respectfully, your obed't servant,
THOMPSON D. SHAW.
Hon. Levi Woodbury, Secretary of the Navy.

Burlington, New Jersey, April 12, 1833.
Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your
orders of the 8th inst., which shall be cheerfully complied with.

30
I have the honor to be, sir, respectfully, your obed't servant,
THOMPSON D. SHAW.
John Boyle, Esq., Acting Secretary of the Navy.

Baltimore, April 26, 1833.
Sir : I am on my way, in obedience to your orders of the
8th instant. I would observe to the Department, if either of
the lieutenants of the Natchez wish to be relieved, previous to
her departure, I will take his place.
I am anxious to make a longer cruise than the orders I am
now under will give me.
I have the honor to be, sir, with great respect,
THOMPSON D. SHAW.
John Boyle, Esq., Acting Secretary of the Navy.

U. S. Ship Lexington, Bahia, June 18, 1833.
Sir : You will report yourself to me, on board this ship, as
;Flag Lieutenant."
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
MELANCTHON T. WOOLSEY,
Commander-in-Chief of the Naval Forces of the U. S.
on the Coast of Brazil.
Lieut. T. D. Shaw, U. S. Ship Natchez.

U. S. Ship Lexington, Rio de Janeiro, August 31, 1833.
SIR : You will report for duty to Master Comdt. McKeever,
commanding United States ship Lexington. Respectfully,
MELANCTHON T. WOOLSEY,
Commander-in-Chief of the Naval Forces of the U. S,
on the Coast of Brazil.
Lt. T. D. Shaw, Flag Lt. to the Com'der-in-Chief
U. States ship Lexington.
Note. — Anxious to do duty as a " watch officer" in addition to the duties
of " flag lieutenant," I asked for the above order, and took my regular "sea
watch." T. D. S.

31

Philadelphia, May 11, 1836.
Sir : If the Honorable Secretary of the Navy has not se
lected a commander for the "Store Ship" that is being built
at this station, and it meets his approbation, I will ask leave
to be considered as an applicant for orders to her as her com
mander. I have the honor to be, sir, &c, &c,
T. D. SHAW.
Hon. Mahlon Dickerson, Secretary of the Navy.

Philadelphia, July 19, 1836.
Sib : I will remark to the Honorable the Acting Secretary
of the Navy, that if I am to be selected for the commander of
the " Store Ship " now fitting at this station, that I would be
glad to receive my orders to her at as early a period as the
views of the Department will permit. I have some domestic
arrangements to make which would seem to require me to ask
at least preparatory orders, prior to the commencement of a
long cruise. I have the honor to be, sir, &c, &c,
T. D. SHAW.
John Boyle, Esq., Acting Secretary of the Navy.
Note. — The " Store Ship " was built for the " South Sea Exploring Ex
pedition," Commodore Ap C. Jones, commanding expedition.
T. D. SHAW.

Philadelphia, March 6, 1838.
Sir: I take the opportunity to say to the Honorable the
Secretary of the Navy, if there is any probability that the
Pennsylvania will not be fitted for a cruise this summer, I re-
pectfully request that I may be regarded as an applicant for
sea service. I would be gratified by receiving orders to the
sloop Levant.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
T. D. SHAW.
Hon. M. Dickerson, Secretary of the Navy.

32

Doylestown, Bucks county, Pa., May 24, 1838.
Sir : I ask leave to say to the Honorable Secretary that I
am exceedingly anxious for sea service. As it appears there
is but little probability of the Pennsylvania beiiig fitted for a
cruise soon, and being prepared myself for "sea service," I
respectfully request that I may be ordered to the Macedonian,
or for such other sea service as the Department may think pro
per to assign to me.
I have the honor to be, sir, with great respect, your obedient
servant,
T. D. SHAW.
Hon. Mahlon Dickerson, Secretary of the Navy.

Philadelphia, October 8, 1838.
Sir : As I am an applicant for sea service, I respectfully re
quest that I may be ordered to the frigate Constitution.
I have the honor, &c, &c,
T. D. SHAW.
Hon. James K. Paulding, Secretary of the Navy.

Philadelphia, November 16, 1838.
Sir : I have the honor to say to you that I am authorized by
Captain Bolton to say to the Department that my application
for orders to the frigate Constitution (to which ship he has been
appointed commander,) meets his entire approbation.
I have the honor to be, sir, with great respect, your obedient
servant,
T. D. SHAW.
Hon. James K. Paulding, Secretary of the Navy.

U. S. Frigate Constitution, Norfolk, Va., November 4, 1841.
Sir : I avail myself of the opportunity to forward this com
munication to the Department, through Captain Daniel Turner,
previous to his leaving the command of this ship.

33
As I have just returned from a cruise in the Pacific ocean,
it may be in accordance with the views of the Honorable Sec
retary of the Navy, to give me service on shore for a time. If
so, I respectfully request orders to fill the first vacancy that
may occur in the command of the receiving ship at Philadel
phia or Baltimore, or at the rendezvous at either of those cities.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
T. D. SHAW,
Lieutenant United States Navy.
Hon. A. P. Upshur, Secretary of the Navy.

Philadelphia, December 6, 1841.
Sir I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your
order of the 30th ultimo. The order found me surrounded and
almost borne down with sorrow and grief at the dissolution of
mv venerable father, and that so early after my return from
the cruise in the frigate Constitution. I shall proceed without
delay in obedience with the order.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
T. D. SHAW, Lieut. U. S. N.
Hon. A. P. Upshur, Secretary of the Navy.

Washington, November 9, 1841. ¦
My Dear Shaw : I have seen the Secretary of the Navy,
and he has given the necessary orders that all the'crew should
be paid off except the apprentice boys. He gave me a very
friendly reception, and told" me the ship was expected, and ap
proved of all I have done while in command of the ship and
squadron. Midshipman Hays' warrant will be sent to Belle Air.
* * * * * * *
Call the crew together, and tell them the Secretary has or
dered them all paid off.
5

34
Remember me kindly to all the officers, and believe me your
friend, • TURNER.
Lieutenant Shaw, Norfolk, Va.
[Note. — The above semi-official letter was addressed by Captain Turner
to Lieutenant T. D. Shaw, then first lieutenant of the United States ship
Constitution, Lieut. Shaw then being in temporary command of the Consti
tution. T. D. S.

Baltimore, May 11, 1843.
My Dear Sir : I have been appointed to the command of
the Unite'd States naval forces on the coast of Brazil, and am
now on my way to Norfolk, to sail from thence. There
doubtless will be employed in the squadron one or more ten-gun
brigs or schooners. If you feel a desire to make another
cruise under my command, as commander of the schooner En
terprise, now on that 'Station, or as commander of the vessel
that may be sent there as her relief in the event of her return.
ing home, I shall be much gratified, and I hereby authorize
you to say so to the honorable the Secretary of the Navy. I
feel no hesitation in making this request. My long acquaint
ance with you, your services with me, my knowledge of your
merits and qualifications, induce me to feel the wish to have
you in a command in the Brazil squadron.
I feel that the Government will gratify me in this wish, if it
is consistent with their views, and will give to your application
a favorable consideration.
With respect and esteem, I am truly yours,
• DANIEL TURNER.
Lieutenant T. D. Shaw, Baltimore.

Baltimore, May 22, 1843.
Sir: I had the honor to pay my respects to you in Norfolk
on the 15th instant. In the conversation I then had with you,
you were pleased to say that my position' on the Register en-

35
titled me to a command, and you directed me to forward to you
the enclosed letter from Captain Daniel Turner, recently ap
pointed to the command of the squadron on the coast of Brazil.
I shall be most happy in being appointed to a command, and
to serve again with Captain Turner, therefore respectfully re
quest that I may be assigned to the command of the brig Law
rence, being built at this place, or to the brig Perry, now fitting
at Norfolk, or to such other command as the views of the Gov
ernment may direct.
With high considerations of respect, I have the honor to be,
sir, your obedient servant,
T. D. SHAW, Lieut. U. S. N
Hon. A. P. Upshur, Secretary of the Navy.

Navy Department, October 31, 1843.
Sir: Having determined to discontinue the rendezvous at
Baltimore, you are hereby detached from it, and you will re
port to Commodore Ridgeley for the command of the United
States brig Pioneer, to be employed as a store-brig.
I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,
DAVID HENSHAW.
Lieut. Thompson D. Shaw, United States Navy, Baltimore.

United States Naval Rendezvous, Philadelphia, May 27, 1846.
Dear Sir : Whilst I congratulate you on your appointment
to a command, I cannot suffer you to leave this rendezvous
without expressing the regret I feel at parting with you. In
doing this, I will embrace the occasion to say that the zeal and
ability you have manifested in the discharge of your duty since
under my orders, together with a correct moral course of con
duct, has given me entire satisfaction.
With my best wishes for your health and happiness, and for

36
a successful and distinguished cruise, I remain, dear sir, your
friend and very obedient servant, T. A. CONOVER, Commander.
Lieutenant Commanding T. D. Shaw,
Commanding United States Schooner Petrel.
Note. — The above letter was received at New York after I had reported
to Captain S. H. Stringham for the command of the United States armed
schooner Petrel, destined for the Gulf of Mexico.
T. DARRAH SHAW.

V. S. Steamer Spitfire, OffTampico, November 22, 1846.
Sir : I have the honor to report the return of the Spitfire
and Petrel, Lieutenant Commanding Shaw, to this anchorage,
having performed the duty assigned me by your order of the
17th instant.
*******
The property destroyed consisted of nine 11-feet eighteens,
with their carriages, good guns, which were spiked, and their
trunnions knocked off. A large quantity of eighteen-pound
shot were thrown into the river, and a quantity of camp equi
page burnt. We brought off a 24-pounder gun, formerly be
longing to one of the captured gun-boats, with its bed and
slide ; a large quantity of copper grape and canister, and forty
large bales of excellent imported tent-pins, which I thought
might be useful to the army.
The enemy showed no disposition to resist us, although we
were expected, and although the river banks afforded many
points from which our decks might have been swept by artillery
and musketry, when we could not have brought a gun to bear.
No opportunity has been afforded of distinction; but my
thanks are due to Lieutenant Commanding Shaw, and Captain
Edson of the marines, and to the officers and men, generally,
for the zeal they displayed. I must particularly observe, in
praise of the latter, that, although for two days in a captured

37

town, no irregularity was committed by them. All were dis
posed to obey orders and to work with a will.
I am, sir, with great respect, your obedient servant,
JOSIAH TATNALL, Commander.
Commodore D. Connor, Commanding Home Squadron.

Philadelphia, June 26, 1850.
Sir . I am authorized by Commodore Lavallette to address
this communication to the Honorable the Secretary of the
Navy, and ask to be ordered as "flag lieutenant" to the south
Pacific squadron, which he has the honor to command.
I have the honor to be, sir, with great respect, your obedient
servant, T. D. SHAW,
Lieutenant United States Navy.
Hon. Wm. Ballard Preston, Secretary of the Navy.

It will be gratifying to me if Lieutenant Shaw's wishes can
be complied with. Respectfully, &c,
E. A. F. LAVALETTE.

Philadelphia, May 24, 1851.
Sir : I am exceedingly anxious for professional employment ;
therefore respectfully ask orders for duty, either afloat or
ashore. I have the honor to be, sir, with great respect, your obedient
servant, T. D. SHAW,
Commander.
Hon. William A. Graham, Secretary of the Navy.

Navy Department, November 10, 1851.
Sir : You will report on the 1st day of December next, to

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Commodore George C. Read for the command of the United
States naval rendezvous at Philadelphia.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
WILLIAM A. GRAHAM.
Commander T. D, Shaw, U. S. Navy, Philadelphia.

Moorings, North Tarry Town P. 0., October 10, 1851.
My Deas Sir: * * * * * *
It is quite doubtful whether I shall go to sea very soon, but
should I be appointed to the command of a squadron during
the ensuing year, the situation to which you refer has already
been promised to another of those gallant officers who served,
like you, under my command in the Gulf. 'Tis possible, how
ever, we may be associated officially in some other way, should
I again go to sea; an association which, I assure you, will al
ways give me much pleasure. Most truly yours,
M. C. PERRY.
Commander T. D. Shaw, U. S. Navy.
Note. — Being anxious for sea service, and hearing that Commodore Perry
Was to be appointed to a squadron, I applied to him to be appointed his " flag
captain," and received from him the above note.
T. D. SHAW, Commander U. S. Navy.

Navy Department, October 23, 1854.
Sir : You will regard yourself as detached from the com
mand of the United States naval rendezvous at Philadelphia,
Pa., on the 8th day of November next, and will proceed to
Norfolk, Va., by the 10th day of November, and report to
Captain Samuel Breese, for the command of the United States
ship Falmouth. Respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. C. DOBBIN.
Commander T. Darrah Shaw,
Commanding U. S. Naval Rendezvous, Philadelphia, Pa.

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Note.— November, 1851, I received an order from the Hon. William A.
Graham, then Secretary of the Navy, to report to Commodore George C.
Read, commandant at Navy Yard, Philadelphia, on the 1st December, 1851,
as commander of the United States naval rendezvous in that city, which I
accordingly did ; and commanded that naval recruiting station until the 8th
day of November, 1854, when I was ordered to the command of the United
States ship Falmouth ; sailed from Norfolk, Va., on the 14th of December,
the same year, and cruised in the West Indies until ordered to New York,
where the Falmouth arrived on the 13th of August, 1855, after which I was
detached, and notified by the Hon. Mr. Dobbin, Secretary of the Navy, by
whom 1 had been ordered to the command of the Falmouth, that I was placed
on the "Reserved List," in accordance with the decision of the " Naval
Board." T. DARRAH SHAW, Commander U. S. JVasy.

Vice Commercial Agency of the United States,
Gonaives, March 19, 1855.
Sir : I received your letter, dated the 16th March, 1855, on
on the 17th instant, announcing to me your arrival in this har
bor, from Port-au-Prince.
*******
It is with much pleasure and satisfaction that I notice the
good effect which your presence, thus far, has had in Gonaives.
It has shown the authorities here that the American Govern
ment does care for the interest of her citizens in this island,
which is more particularly shown in the choice of a commander
so well calculated to execute his foreign missions with honor to
his country. Your most obedient servant,
SUMNER J. BROOKS.
U. S. Vice Commercial Agent.
T. D. Shaw, Esq., Commander U. S. Sloop Falmouth,
Harbor of Gonaives.

U. S. Ship Falmouth, at Sea, June 19, 1855.
Captain Chase : I sorrow for your leaky condition. I send
on board eight men and an officer, to assist your crew in keep
ing the barque free until your arrival at Key West. You will
use exertions to keep near us, as we shall do to keep near you,
carrying a light through the night ; and hold on the Florida

40
coast, and make " Sand Key Light," where doubtless a pilot
will meet you. In the event of any positive additional assist
ance being required, Midshipman John Cain is directed to hoist
the American ensign at the fore.
Respectfully, yours, &c.
T. D. SHAW, Commander.

Navy Deparlment, July 3, 1855.
Sir : Your letter of the 23d ultimo, written at Key West,
reporting your arrival there, in the United States sloop-of-war
Falmouth, and that you had offered assistance to the American
barque Chase, off the Tortugas islands, found in a leaky condi
tion, and her crew exhausted from labor at the pumps, by which
she was enabled to reach Key West in safety, has been
received. The Department approves your course as was indicated in
your letter, which was highly commendable.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. C. DOBBIN.
Commander T. D. Shaw, Com'g U. S. Ship Falmouth,
Havana, Island of Cuba.

Navy Department, September 13, 1855.
Sir : The Board of Naval Officers, assembled under the "Act
to promote the efficiency of the Navy," approved February 28,
1855, having reported you as one of the officers who, in their
judgment, should be placed on the "Reserved List, on leave-
of-absence pay," and the finding of the Board having been
approved by the President, it becomes my duty to inform you>
that, from this date, you are accordingly removed from the
"Active List," and placed op the "Reserved List, on leave-of
of-absence pay."
I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. C. DOBBIN.
Commander T. Darrah Shaw, U. S. Navy, Philad'a.

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