Lewis, Thomas, Captain, 1742-1795.
The papers consist of correspondence with Lord Sandwich (q.v.) concerning Lewis's attempts to obtain promotion, 1779 to 1782, orders relating to ships' administration, 1780, and orders relating to the Romney, 1782. There are also notes and an account of the Carlisle Commission.
Administrative / biographical background
Lewis was made a lieutenant in 1761 and, unusually, went to Germany on a diplomatic mission as a private secretary between 1776 and 1778. He was then recommended to Lord Carlisle (1748-1825) as a secretary and in April 1778 sailed in the Trident, Captain John Elliot (q.v.), with the unsuccessful Peace Commission to America. In 1781 Lewis was First Lieutenant of the Sampson and then Commander of the Pluto in 1782. He was promoted to captain in the same year when he commanded the Romney but had no naval service after 1783. In 1779 his brother died and he succeeded to the family property of Gellidywyll, Cenarth, Carmarthen.
Administrative / biographical background
Lewis was made a lieutenant in 1761 and, unusually, went to Germany on a diplomatic mission as a private secretary between 1776 and 1778. He was then recommended to Lord Carlisle (1748-1825) as a secretary and in April 1778 sailed in the Trident, Captain John Elliot (q.v.), with the unsuccessful Peace Commission to America. In 1781 Lewis was First Lieutenant of the Sampson and then Commander of the Pluto in 1782. He was promoted to captain in the same year when he commanded the Romney but had no naval service after 1783. In 1779 his brother died and he succeeded to the family property of Gellidywyll, Cenarth, Carmarthen.
Record Details
| Item reference: | LEW; GB 0064 |
|---|---|
| Catalogue Section: | Personal collections |
| Level: | COLLECTION |
| Extent: | 1 box |
| Date made: | 1778-1782 |
| Credit: | National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London |
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- Papers collected by Lewes during service in North America relating to action of 1778 including an account of the negotiations with the american rebels. (Manuscript) (LEW/3)
- Papers necessary to pass a master's account where he acts as a purser; orders for pressing men and letters asking for leave of absence. (Manuscript) (LEW/4)