Miscellaneous Documents and Letters from the files of the Philadelphia Navy Yard
1827 to 1841By John G. M. Sharp
At USGenWeb Archives
Copyright All right reservedIntroduction: These documents were transcribed from the files of the Philadelphia Navy 1827-1841. For the most part they are draft copies of internal documents that were later deposited with the Office of the Secretary of the Navy. They cover a wide variety of subjects; most were either by or to the Clerk of the Yard. Many other documents in this file were draft letters for the signature of the commanding officer. The subject matter of the letters below are in bold, they cover such subjects as the conduct of Philadelphia Navy Yard military and civilian employees, mustering procedures, desertion, the enlistment of African Americans, security at the Navy Yard entrance gate, the consumption of alcohol at the Navy Yard, the Philadelphia Naval Rendezvous, the USS Sea Gull and more.
Abbreviations: The following are some of abbreviations commonly found in the letters and documents below. Landsmen is abbreviated “Lds”, Landsmen were at the lowest rating/rank of the United States Navy in the nineteen century. Landsmen were almost always new recruits with little or no experience at sea and typically performed menial, unskilled work aboard ship. A Landsman who gained three years of experience or re-enlisted could be promoted to Ordinary Seaman. The next was Ordinary Seaman abbreviated “O.S.” or “OSea”, the second-lowest rating/rank of the nineteenth century. This was the Navy rating above Landsman and below Seaman. Promotion from Landsman to Ordinary Seaman normally required three years of experience, re-enlistment or had prior service in the merchant marine. An ordinary seaman who gained six years of life at sea and “knew the ropes”, that is, knew the name and use of every line in the ship’s rigging, could be promoted to seaman. An Ordinary Seaman’s duties aboard ship included “handling and splicing lines, and working aloft on the lower mast stages and yards. Seamen were enlisted men who had served at least three years and were experienced in most of the stations found aboard a naval vessel, such as the helm, sea and anchor detail, gunnery and had shown proficiency in working sails.
A young sailor, John F. W. Mitchell enlisted in March 1865 and served on the frigate USS Sabine which was part of the Atlantic Blockading Squadron. His Naval Rendezvous record indicated he enlisted in the US Navy in 1865 at the age of 14, at the rank of 3rd Class boy or apprentice. Mitchell was born in New York City, stood 4" 8" tall, had hazel eyes and a mole on his right knee. (Library of Congress)Apprentices, abbreviated “App”, were boys, between the ages of 12-18, who were in training and usually promoted to Ordinary Seaman on reaching maturity. The 1827 Navy Apprentice Bill authorized that at the time of their enlistment, apprentices be rated either as second or third class boys, depending on their size and qualifications. The pay for a third class boy was $5.00 per month, $6.00 per month for second class boys and those promoted to first class could expect $7.00 per month. Lastly, as a rank the “Petty Officer” was between naval officers (both commissioned and warrant) and most enlisted sailors. Petty officers usually were men with years of experience working with the ship’s boatswain mate and quartermaster, or, as a clerk, to the captain or the purser.
Transcription: This transcription was made from digital images of Philadelphia Navy Yard letters and documents as preserved in the Miscellaneous Records of the Navy Department, Record Group 45, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. In transcribing all passages from the letters and memorandum, I have striven to adhere as closely as possible to the original in spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and abbreviation, superscripts, etc., including the retention of dashes and underlining found in the original. Words and passages that were crossed out in the letters are transcribed either as overstrikes or in notes. Words which are unreadable or illegible are so noted in square brackets. When a spelling is so unusual as to be misleading or confusing, the correct spelling immediately follows in square brackets and italicized type or is discussed in a foot note.
John G.M. Sharp 10 March 2022
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Desertion and the USS Seagull: The USS Sea Gull in 1827 served as the Philadelphia Navy Yard receiving ship to temporally house new recruits. The Sea Gull was built as the river steamer Enterprise by the Connecticut Steam Boat Company, Hartford, Connecticut. She was launched in November 1818 and made her first trial run in July 1819. She was purchased by the US Navy in December 1822 for use as a shallow water vessel operating against pirates along the coast of Cuba, and renamed Sea Gull. She was subsequently surveyed, found unfit for further sea duty, and fitted out as a receiving ship at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In 1827 the vessel was in a poor state of repair, she was sold in 1840. The letter below, dated 5 January 1827, to Master Commandant William M. Hunter listed the standing orders for the officers and crew of the receiving of the Seagull regarding the new recruits.
The problem of desertion in the antebellum Navy loomed large. Commodore James Barron believed the problem was a lack of Marine sentries to prevent the new recruits from simply getting their first pay and deserting the station. Barron also stressed punishment had to include military court martial. In his letter of 19 April 1827, Commodore Barron, then commandant of the Gosport (Norfolk) Navy Yard, wrote to the Secretary of the Navy and attempted to explain that new recruits were typically lodged either in the receiving ship or the Marine Barracks with only minimal sentries to maintain a watch and due to budget constraints this remained the case.
At Philadelphia, Commodores William Bainbridge, James Barron and James Stewart sporadically would order a medical survey of the men recently taken aboard the Sea Gull. This was accomplished by Dr. William P. C. Barton of the Philadelphia Naval Hospital or his staff. In such a survey, each man was scrutinized and the results reported in a complete muster of all recent recruits and seamen: their names, pay grades, experience, and their overall fitness for duty.
N. Y. Phil 5 Jany 1827
Sir,
You having been appointed to the command of the receiving vessel “Sea Gull” with 2 Lieuts [illegible] & 4 midshipmen assigned to you command, it is indispensable when recruits are on aboard that great care should be taken to prevent desertions, with a view - to this important object, it is expected that the receiving vessel will at all times, between the hours of Sunset & Sunrise, have no less than three officers aboard throughout the day; the master and the midshipmen, Our exposed situation renders it necessary to guard against fire. The peoples' lights and fires must be extinguished, and other uses during the day must not be left by an officer- The Recruits must never be permitted to leave the vessel. Should their services be required in the Yard, notice will be given by the executive offices of the Yard of the number wanted, where they are to be accompanied by a midshipman, who is to remain with them there and to be held responsible for them until they are returned on board. Any misconduct by the recruits, you will punish by confinement until a report can be made to me. No one is permitted to come along side except the Navy Yard Boat. A corporal guard of Marines will be ordered to your command if it is possible to have them furnished. I am &c
JR
To Captn Commandg Wm. M. Hunter, Recg Vessel Sea Gull
Sources: Bainbridge to Hunter, 5 January 1827, pp. 33-34, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Miscellaneous Records of the Navy Department, Roll 0426, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C.
Barron to Samuel L. Southard, 19 April 1827 “Captains letters” NARA M125 RG 260, 19 Mar 1827 to 14 May 1827, Volume 111, Letter 39.Wombwell, James A., The Long War Against Piracy, Occasional Paper 32, Combat Studies Press, Combat Studies Institute Press, U.S. Army Combined Arms Center, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, pp. 55, 59, https://www.hsdl.org/?view&did=23760
Hunter, William M., Midshipman, 16 January, 1809. Lieutenant, 24 July 1813. Master Commandant, 21 March 1826. Captain, 9 February 1837, died 5 March 1849.
Mustering: In keeping with naval regulations, civilian mechanics and laborers were required to muster periodically for record keeping and pay purposes. Each employee was required to attend and state his name; the Clerk of the Yard typically called the roll and recorded the individual names. Musters at Philadelphia Navy Yard were usually held two or three times per day. Failure to attend the muster was a serious offense that could result in disciplinary action or dismissal.
NY Phil. 5 March 1827
Sir,
It is desirous for the Establishment of an informed system that all attendance should be given by the Mechanics & Laborers employed in the yard to the hours assigned by the posted regulations for the muster. It is expected they will work unless peculiar circumstances. The practice of presenting themselves for muster at such hours, whether they work but three quarters or half a day, ought to be discouraged, & with the view to this object, it will be the duty to question the absentee as to the cause of his absence during such working hours, & his excuse is such to justify absence, you will muster him, but whenever anyone who has absented himself at any time during the day, to be received at the muster of 4 o’clock in the afternoon.
I am &c
J RTo:Wm Knight, a copy also given to the clerk of the Yard
Check officer Navy Yard Philadelphia, 6 March 1827Source: Letters, Bainbridge to Knight, 6 March 1827, pp. 41-42, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Miscellaneous Records of the Navy Department, Roll 0426, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C.
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Enlistment of Blacks: Commodore William Bainbridge on 13 September 1827 directed the Philadelphia Naval Rendezvous not to enter any more Blacks for Naval Service. His actions apparently were at the direction of the Secretary of the Navy. His 14 September 1827 letter to Samuel L. Southard confirmed this action and enumerated the number of Blacks entered to that date as: 18 out of a total of 102.
NY Phil. 13 Sept. 1827
Sir,
You will not enter any Black or colored men for the Naval service until further orders.
Very Resp
[Signed] WmB
[Addressed to] Captain O’Connor
Commanding RendezvousIMAGE: Letter
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Navy Yard Philadelphia
14th September 1827
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 10th instant – and have the pleasure to inform you that no recruits have been sent from this Station since my present command here – I have since given very strict instructions to Master Commandant Hunter, who commands the Receiving Ship - and I have sent a copy of your letter to Master Commandant Conner of the Rendezvous for his Government. Finding that 18 Blacks had been entered in the Total number of 102 – I ordered Recruiting officer not to enter anymore until further orders.
I have the honor Sir,
to be, very Respectfully
Your obedt Servt.[Signed] Wm Bainbridge
To the Honble
Samuel L Southard
Secretary of the Navy
Washington
Unidentified Black Sailor, Civil War, LOC
Sources: Letters, Bainbridge to O’Connor, 13 and 14 September 1827, pp. 30-31, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Miscellaneous Records of the Navy Department, Roll 0426, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C.
Bainbridge to Southard, 14 September 1827, Letters received by the Secretary of the Navy from Captains ("Captains Letters"), 1805-1861; 1866-85, 30 July 1827 to 6 October 1827, Volume 113, Letter number 51, RG 260, Roll 0113, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C.
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NY Phil. 13 Sept. 1827
Sir,
I herewith enclose to you a copy of an order I have received this day from the Secretary of the Navy to which you must directly attend. Have made tomorrow in the presence of the surgeon an examination of all recruits and report the results of said examination. You will have [a report ] of the size and age of the Recruits, in which signify the time they have been at sea – and in what vessels they have served – and the length of such service. Have also the list made of the clothes each has brought on board, if any, since joining the receiving vessel. No clothes are to be furnished the Recruits without requisition from you, approved by me – Once a week a regular examination of the clothing belonging to the Recruits - and if any loss or negligence should have been made of the clothing - Report the same to me.
Very Respectfully
[Signed] WmBSource: Letters, Bainbridge to O’Connor, 13 and 14 September 1827, pp. 30-31, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Miscellaneous Records of the Navy Department, Roll 0426, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C.
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NY Phil. 14 Sept. 1827
Sir,
For your Government in entering men for the Naval Service on this Station, I send you a copy of a letter which I have received today from the Secretary of the Navy – In addition to which I have to request that the greatest possible attention be paid to enlisting any but those who are in all respects well qualified to fill the Station to which they engage to serve.[Addressed to] Captain O’Connor
Commanding RendezvousSource: Letters, Bainbridge to O’Connor, 13 and 14 September 1827, pp.30-31, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Miscellaneous Records of the Navy Department, Roll 0426, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C.
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Federal Shipyard Workers: Shipyard workers were in law and, in fact, day laborers and paid a per diem wage only for days actually worked. Theirs was a life where the only certainties were often hard and unpleasant. A cold winter usually led to mass layoffs as only the most essential crews would be kept working. No compensation was available for on the job injuries. Illness too often meant dismissal. When illness struck a journeyman craftsman, his body could fail, but more importantly his ability to provide for his family failed. Preventive medicine was not much of an option for working men and whether it was a minor flu or a periodic cholera outbreak, some illness eventually caught up with them.
1st May 1829
Sir,
Discharge this evening all the Yard laborers but 12
Resy Ys
WmB
To: Mr. [Henry S.] Crabb
Acting Clerk of the Yard –Sources: Letters, Bainbridge to Crabb, 1 May 1829, p. 19, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Miscellaneous Records of the Navy Department, Roll 0426, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C.
Henry Selden Crabb, 1803-1866, was prominent in the Democratic partyof Philadelphia and a supporter of President Andrew Jackson, see United States Gazette (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania), 5 June 1833, p. 2.
Greenburg, Joshua R., Advocating the Man, Masculinity, Organized Labor, and the Household in New York, 1800-1840, Trade Unions, p. 9, http://www.gutenberg-e.org/greenberg/print/Chapter5JRG.pdf
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Navy Yard Phila
Sir,
You will open the Rendezvous for the Enlistment of Able and Ordinary Seamen for Naval Service – Enter none for Able Seamen, but such as have sufficient time at Sea to qualify themselves for Abel Seamen duty – and both Able Seamen and O’Seamen must be healthy able bodied men –
Very Ys
WmB
To Master Commandant
David Conner
U.S. Navy PhilP.S. – Let the Surgeon be very strict in his examination previous to their being entered.
Source: Letters, Bainbridge to Connor 22 May 1829, p. 23, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Miscellaneous Records of the Navy Department, Roll 0426, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C.
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18 July 1829
Sir,
Discharge all the Painters this Evening –
Resy Ys
WmB
To Mr. Crabb
Acting Clerk of the Yard –Source: Letters, Bainbridge to Crabb, 19 July 1829, p.35, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Miscellaneous Records of the Navy Department, Roll 0426, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C.
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The Consumption of Alcohol: Usage of wine, whiskey and grog in the early nineteenth century was at an all-time high. Most Americans during this era regarded alcoholic beverages as a positive good. Every person in the Navy was entitled by law to receive a half pint of distilled spirits, usually rye whiskey, day in and day out, as part of their official ration. The United States Navy probably reached an all-time consumption record during the first three decades of the ninetieth century. Alcohol pervaded all ranks, but enlisted men and petty officers were subject to corporal punishment for all offenses, while officers were subject to shame, reprimand or removal. Naval officers were expected to live as gentlemen. Those who imbibed too much or transgressed in public, either as drunkards or were actually caught intoxicated while on duty, were subject to court martial. Such naval courts had the power to recommend an official reprimand or removal of an errant officer from the service.
For the years 1846-1847, the Department of the Navy reported 5,036 floggings administered on sixty ships. This averages out to roughly fifty floggings per ship per year or four per month. For corporal punishment of boys or young apprentices, a lighter scourge known as the colt was utilized. In the United States Navy, corporal punishment was typically awarded for being absent without leave, drunkenness, disobedience and insubordination. Such punishment could also be awarded for sleeping on watch, theft, smuggling and fighting. Despite mounting criticism and public outcry, flogging in the 1840’s was a common punishment in almost all American men-of-war and remained so until its abolition in 1850.
IMAGE: Quarterly Returns of Punishment aboard the U.S.S. John Adams, 1 April to 30 June 1846
Only a few of these disciplinary reports have survived though. Below are two such items from the USS John Adams which was serving in the Gulf of Mexico, anchored off the bar at Santiago from 8 May 1846 during the Battle of Palo Alto; she then maintained a blockading station off the east coast of Mexico for the remainder of the war. The two reports dated 1846 and 1847 (transcribed below) give some idea of the type of infractions subject to corporal punishment. In 1846 the Muster Roll of the officers and crew of the John Adams reflect a total of 192 officers and men In 1847, the Muster Roll of the officers and crew of the John Adams reflect a total of 187 officers and men.
General Order
No Liquor whatever is permitted to pass through the Gate at this Yard – except accompanied by an officer- Whenever any person is permitted any basket or package in which liquor may be [found] - unaccompanied by an officer – the sentinel of the Gate must stop the package and report the same to the officer on daily duty – who will examine the package to ascertain if any liquor is in it – and should there be, he is hereby directed to arrest it and report the persons who brought it in – No article whatever will be permitted to be brought into the Yard by Land or water – between sunset & sunrise.
Given at the Navy Yard Philada 19 April 1830
[Signed] William Bainbridge* * * * * *
General Order
The countersign must not be given to any but the following persons – The Capt. Commandant – Master Commandant – Lieutenant of the Yard – and the Officer on duty at the Gate - who is strictly forbidden to give to anyone - And to the Watchmen – and it must not be given to them until the of passing the countersign has come –
Given at the Navy Yard Philada 19April 1830
[Signed] William BainbridgeSources: Letters, William Bainbridge, 19 April 1830, p.4, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Miscellaneous Records of the Navy Department, Roll 0426, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C.
Rorabaugh, W. J., The Alcoholic Republic an American Tradition, (Oxford University Press, New York, 1979), pp. 8-9. Rorabaugh notes that alcohol consumption peaked at over five gallons per person in the early 1800s as contrasted with approximately two gallons in 1970. A significant drop occurred in the 1840s and the rate stayed around two gallons going forward.
Sharp, John G.M., Flogging at Sea, Discipline and Punishment in the Old Navy, http://www.usgwarchives.net/va/portsmouth/shipyard/sharptoc/oldnavydiscipline.html
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Boys in the Navy: From its inception, “Boys”, such as Alfred Brown, were common sights in the United States Navy. Most of these young “sailors in training” performed their duties admirably. In 1827, then Lt., Matthew Perry established the first apprentice school for boys at Gosport Navy Yard on the USS Alert on 29 November 1826. However, the idea was promoted for the Navy as a whole by Secretary of the Navy, Samuel Southard.
The Naval Apprentice Bill was finally signed into law on 2 March 1837. The law created a formal structure and made it lawful to enlist “no boys for the Navy being under thirteen or over eighteen years of age to serve until twenty-one." Within a few months there were several hundred apprentices on board naval vessels, and the experiment gave promise of success. The secretary directed that the boys were to be "thoroughly instructed so as to best qualify them to perform the duties of seamen and petty officers.” One such school was run at Gosport Navy Yard. The boys in May 1839 were housed aboard the frigate USS Java, an old receiving ship for new enlistees
The 1827 Apprentice Bill authorized that, at the time of their enlistment, apprentices be rated either as second or third class boys depending on their size and qualifications. The pay for a third class boy was $5.00 per month, $6.00 per month for second class boys and those promoted to first class could expect $7.00 per month. Apprentice boys were not allowed to draw spirits (grog ration) or use tobacco.
NY Phil 10 June 1830
In pursuance of orders from the Navy Department – I send to you Alfred Brown, Boy, who entered last July for the General Service, and deserted in November, and was taken up the last of March; he is a most finished Rogue (sophisticated conman). I herewith send you an extract of the Secretary of the Navy’s letter to me under the date of the 8th instant and in consequence thereof, I send you a copy of the letter from me to the Secretary of the Navy, and which will show you the character and conduct of Brown -
I am &cWmB
To: Commodore Chauncey
New YorkSource: Letters, William Bainbridge to Isaac Chauncey,10 June 1830, p. 13, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Miscellaneous Records of the Navy Department, Roll 0426, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C.
NY Phil 10 June 1830
Sir,
You will proceed with the Boy, Alfred Brown, by tomorrow morning steam boat for New York and deliver him to Commodore Chauncey, Commander of the New York Navy Yard &c at that place, after which you will return without delay to this place - I am &c
WmB
To: Lt. T. D. Shaw
US Navy PhilIMAGE: Muster Roll Officers and Seaman, Phila Navy Yard, 11 June 1830, #34,
Alfred Brown, Boy, “to NY Yard.”Sources: Letters, William Bainbridge to Isaac Chauncey, 10 June 1830, p.13, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Miscellaneous Records of the Navy Department, Roll 0426, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C.
Sharp, John G., The Gosport Navy Yard Apprentice Boys School and the question of foreign birth, June 7, 1839,http://www.usgwarchives.net/va/portsmouth/shipyard/sharptoc/nnysharp7.html
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Commodore Charles Stewart USN (1778–1869), a native of Philadelphia, a naval hero of the War of 1812 and the longest serving Commandant of the Philadelphia Navy Yard. Stewart was Commandant, of the Philadelphia Navy Yard from 1838 -1841, again in 1846 and later from 1851-1861. During the War of 1812, Commodore Stewart commanded the USS Constitution and, his victory over HMS Cyane and HMS Levant on 20 February 1815 made him national figure. Stewart saw service during the Quasi War and both Barbary Wars in the Mediterranean along North Africa and the War of 1812. He later commanded the Philadelphia Navy Yard and was promoted to become the Navy's first flag officer when he was promoted to rear admiral in July 1862. Stewart was the last surviving Navy captain who had served in the War of 1812. Stewart holds the all-time record for the longest active duty career and longest time holding a single rank on active duty (52 years 10 months). Charles Stewart was Commandant of the Philadelphia Navy Yard, from 1838 -1841 again in 1846 and later from 1851-1861.
Charles Stewart 1811-1812
National Gallery of ArtIn his 17 November 1841 letter, Commodore Stewart vented his frustrations to Secretary of the Navy A. P. Upshur and recommended changes in the recruitment of seamen for the Navy. Stewart stressed the Navy was hindered by too lax a system, whereby new recruits were often discharged if (in his opinion), their wives or mothers pleaded economic hardship. Stewart also mentioned the role so called “tippling houses” played in enticing recruits. In Philadelphia, “tippling houses” were places where spirituous liquors were sold and drunk in violation of law. Many tippling houses were located near or on the waterfront in Southwark and adjacent to the Philadelphia Naval Rendezvous. Stewart knew from long experience the problems they caused as they lured unwary young men with free flowing liquor, often on easy credit, only to demand payment with the recruit’s advanced pay or bounty money.
IMAGE: Public Ledger (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania), 13 June 1840
Commandants Office
U.S. Navy Yard Philadelphia
17th Novr 1841Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter and enclosure relative to John Blackburn. The great inconvenience and loss resulting to the National Service from the frequent discharges of the worthless son and other relations of females induces me to propose to you, for consideration, and, if by you approved, then the adoption of a rule which, if it does not entirely prevent similar applications, will at least tend to lessen their number, conserve the public interests – and controvert the frequent attempts at similar impositions on the Government –
Civil War sailor with wife or sister, LOCThose to whom this applies generally run into debt at tippling houses, until their account reaches an amount which they can only liquidate by a recourse to the bounty or advance made to them upon entering the Naval Service; after which they trust to the pitiful intercession of wives or mothers for procuring their discharge, after having put the Government to the expense of recruiting and maintaining them for a period of one or two months aboard a receiving vessel, without returning to the country a single service of benefit – I would, therefore, respectfully recommend to your consideration the propriety of stabling as a permanent rule, in cases of discharge through the application of friends or relations, prior to their having actually performed duty in the Navy – that the expense of recruiting, and provision while on board of the receiving vessel, made to them in money and clothing, be refunded to the U. States before discharge is granted. By the adoption of this rule, the punishment for imposing themselves upon the service will [ illegible] in their having lost the time, instead of that falling upon the Navy, as it now does-
While on this subject I would also beg leave to invite your attention to another growing evil in the Navy which has a strong bearing on its discipline; I mean the impunity with which desertion from the service has so frequently, for several years past, been committed through an unwillingness to punish effectually, and make a few striking examples, by which men might be deterred from doing so.
This practice will be found to exist generally amongst the most worthless who, at all times, constitute the best subjects for wholesome examples to a National Service –
I have the honor to be Sir, Very Respectfully,
Your Obedient Servant[Signed] Charles Stewart
[Addressed] Honorable A.P. Upshur,
Secretary of the Navy
Washington D.C.Source: Stewart to Upshur, 17 November 1841, pp. 1-3, Volume 283, Letter Number 71, Letters Received By the Secretary of the Navy from Captains (“Captains Letter”), 1 November 1841 to 30 November 1841, RG 260, Roll, 0283, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C.
"Tippling house" A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States. John Bouvier, 1856.
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John "Jack" G. M. Sharp resides in Concord, California. He worked for the United States Navy for thirty years as a civilian personnel officer. Among his many assignments were positions in Berlin, Germany, where, in 1989, he was in East Berlin the day the infamous wall was opened. He later served as Human Resources Officer in South West Asia (Bahrain). He returned to the United States in 2001 and was on duty at the Naval District of Washington on 9/11. He has a lifelong interest in history and has written extensively on the Washington, Norfolk and Pensacola Navy Yards, labor history and the history of African Americans. His previous books include African Americans in Slavery and Freedom on the Washington Navy Yard 1799 -1865, Morgan Hannah Press 2011 and History of the Washington Navy Yard Civilian Workforce 1799-1962, 2004.
https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/browse-by-topic/heritage/washington-navy-yard/pdfs/WNY_History.pdf
and the first complete transcription of the Diary of Michael Shiner Relating to the History of the Washington Navy Yard, 1813-1869, 2007/2015 online:
https://www.history.navy.mil/research/library/online-reading-room/title-list-alphabetically/d/diary-of-michael-hiner.html
His most recent work includes Register of Patients at Naval Hospital Washington DC 1814 With The Names of American Wounded From The Battle of Bladensburg 2018,
https://www.history.navy.mil/research/library/online-reading-room/title-list-alphabetically/r/register-patients-naval-hospital-washington-dc-1814.html
The last three works were all published by the Naval History and Heritage Command. John served on active duty in the United States Navy, including Vietnam service. He received his BA and MA in History from San Francisco State University. He can be reached at sharpjg@yahoo.com
