Scope and Content Note
The papers of Thomas Truxtun (1755-1822) span the years 1796-1885, with the bulk of the items dating from 1796 to 1822. Truxtun served in the United States Navy during the Revolutionary War and later as commander of the Constellation (frigate) and of the Mediterranean Squadron. He resigned his commission in 1802 following a controversy with the Navy Department.
The papers consist of correspondence and printed matter. A letter of 1806 details Truxtun's account of the circumstances related to his resignation. Several letters pertain to Truxtun's position as sheriff of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1816-1819. An article from 1885 concerns his grandson, William Talbot Truxtun, who participated in the Darien Exploring Expedition. Correspondents include George Balfour, David M. Clarkson, Joseph Cornman, Alexander Murray, William Patterson, Benjamin Stoddert, and Samuel Swartwout.