Thomas Chew’s Seabag
This decorative seabag belonged to Thomas J. Chew, who served as purser on USS Constitution during the War of 1812. Although the United States Navy issued seabags to sailors, none of the government-issued bags from the early 19th century are believed to have survived as a result of regular reissues and heavy usage. However, some sailors and officers also carried their own personal bags, which they sometimes painted or embroidered to suit their tastes. Whether Chew decorated his own bag or had it done by someone else is unknown, but his choices reflect his sense of style. His name and the designation “U.S. Navy” are painted in sharply rendered lettering with two-tone shading. Black piping highlights the seams between the panels, and small sewn grommets allow for a drawstring, which is missing. Chew may have carried this bag while on Constitution during the battle with HMS Guerriere, for which he was awarded a Congressional Silver Medal.
Thomas Chee's Seabag ni aina ya kitambaa cha kipekee kilichotengenezwa na Thomas Chee, ambaye alitumikia kama mkurugenzi wa meli ya USS Constitution wakati wa Vita vya 1812. Ingawa Jeshi la Wanamaji la Marekani lilitoa mifuko ya baharini kwa mabaharia, hakuna mifuko iliyotolewa na serikali kutoka mwanzoni mwa karne ya 19 ambayo inaaminika kuwa imeokoka kama matokeo ya matoleo ya mara kwa mara na matumizi makubwa. Hata hivyo, baadhi ya mabaharia na maofisa walibeba mifuko yao wenyewe, ambayo nyakati nyingine waliipaka rangi au kuifunga ili ipatane na mapendezi yao. Haijulikani kama Chew alibuni mkoba wake mwenyewe au alifanya hivyo na mtu mwingine, lakini uchaguzi wake unaonyesha hisia yake ya mtindo. Jina lake na jina <unk>U.S. Navy <unk> ni rangi katika herufi sharply rendered na mbili-tone shading. Mabomba meusi huangazia mshono kati ya paneli, na grommets ndogo zilizoshonwa huruhusu kamba ya kuvuta, ambayo haipo. "Chew alibeba mkoba huu wakati akiwa kwenye ""Constitution"" wakati wa vita na HMS Guerriere, ambayo alipewa medali ya fedha ya Congress."