Home › S › Shaw (JOHN an American naval officer)

Shaw (JOHN an American naval officer)

JOHN, an American naval officer; born in Mount Mellick, Ireland, in 1773; removed to Philadelphia, Pa., in 1790; and received employment on a merchant vessel. When war with France became probable, he joined the United States navy as a lieutenant; and was placed in command of the schooner "Enterprise" in December, 1799. During an eight months' cruise with this vessel he engaged in five severe actions, recaptured 11 American prizes and took 5 French privateers. His most severe battle occurred with the "Flambeau," a vessel of 100 men and 14 guns. He forced her to surrender in less than an hour after about 50 of her crew were either killed or wounded, while the loss to the "Enterprise" was 10. He was promoted captain in August, 1807, and commanded the fleet which was blockaded by the British in the Thames river in 1814. He died in Philadelphia, Pa., Sept. 17, 1823.