Category Archives: Navy Wardroom, Warrant and Petty Officers

Sailing Master, Surgeon, Chaplain, Purser, Master’s Mate, Surgeon’s Mate, Midshipman, Captain’s Clerk, Boatswain, Carpenter, Gunner, Caulker, Master-at-Arms, Ropemaker, Sailmaker, Armouror, Cooper, Coxwain and Quartermaster

Mordecai Matlack, Midshipman

Posted on October 20, 2019 by Joe

What we know of Continental Navy Midshipman Mordecai Matlack comes primarily from two sources: “Col. Timothy Matlack, patriot and soldier, a paper read before the Gloucester County Historical Society at the Old Tavern House, Haddonfield, N.J., April 14, 1908” by … Continue reading →

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Thomas Hore, Surgeon

Posted on October 5, 2019 by Joe

The frigate Randolph’s surgeon Dr. Thomas Hore has proved to be an elusive figure in the historical record. No mention of his upbringing, education, Philadelphia connections or private pre-war practice has yet been uncovered. In “Give Me a Fast Ship: … Continue reading →

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Thomas Budd, Surgeon’s Mate

Posted on July 29, 2019 by Joe

     Dr. Thomas Budd appears to have been one of two Surgeon’s Mates serving on the frigate Randolph at the time of her 7 March 1778 catastrophic destruction. Much of Dr. Budd’s biographical information comes from Stephen Wickes’ “History of … Continue reading →

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Joseph Cauffman, Surgeon’s Mate

Posted on June 26, 2019 by Joe

What is known of Joseph Cauffman (1755-1778) comes primarily from his letter of Wednesday 23 April 1777 sent from Vienna, Austria to Benjamin Franklin and found in the American Philosophical Society. The letter indicates that Cauffman was born in Philadelphia, … Continue reading →

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John Seaward, Master’s Mate

Posted on January 1, 2019 by Joe

John Seaward, or Seward, was Master’s Mate on the ship Ranger under Captain John Paul Jones. He appears to have been associated with Captain Jones since at least 10 September 1777 when Jones wrote to John Bradford, “Mr Seaward and … Continue reading →

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