Lieutenant Lansing Naval Warrant

Banknote

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The Lew Anvil Collection

Endorsed "Navy Yard / J.P Lansing / Lieutenant": Upon payment to each sailor, the reverse of the certificate was endorsed with each sailor’s station, name, and duty. This written account leaves researchers a record of the sailors who received payment, where they received their compensation, and the location of their station. Since many of the reverses are distinctly uniform, it is quite possible that Mason or one of the pursers signed some of the endorsements for the sailors.
Endorsed "Navy Yard / J.P Lansing / Lieutenant"

Upon payment to each sailor, the reverse of the certificate was endorsed with each sailor’s station, name, and duty. This written account leaves researchers a record of the sailors who received payment, where they received their compensation, and the location of their station. Since many of the reverses are distinctly uniform, it is quite possible that Mason or one of the pursers signed some of the endorsements for the sailors.

Name/Title

Lieutenant Lansing Naval Warrant

Description

Republic of Texas Fifth Issue of Warrants: Naval Payment Certificates

Context

Unfortunately, the same officers who can be lured into service for prize money, are also the same officers who will perform nefarious acts to receive their pay. In early March 1841, with months of government backpay and no end in sight, while San Bernard was at Frontera, Mexico, her commander deserted. Lt. James O’Shaunessy was apparently part of a scheme to steal the vessel’s revolvers and sell them to the locals. It seems the Yucatecos were as enamored of Sam Colt’s newfangled five-shooters as were the Texians, and while San Bernard was moored at Laguna de Terminos, O’Shaunessy and Captain’s Clerk H. A. Goldsborough sold “25 or 30 Colts’ pistols and other arms” belonging to the ship. Other officers, including Lt. Thurston Taylor and Wharton’s commander, Lt. J. P. Lansing, may also have been part of the theft ring, and ultimately their nonexistent paychecks would be docked for the cost of these firearms. Ironically, all three officers indicted in the San Bernard Theft Ring were paid using the April 23, 1841 naval payment certificates – one month after their dishonorable action!