Richard Squires

Richard Squires

1791/1792 -Dec 22, 1870

Richard Squires was born in Massachusetts and eventually settled down in Port Washington, New York. In the War of 1812, he formed the Privateers of America in Salem, Mass., and worked for the U.S.N. He continued service up until 1857, and last served on the U.S.S. Constellation. Altogether, he served 17 years for the U.S.N. and 33 years as a merchant seaman. He was Captain of the forecastle in his last position aboard the Constellation. These men of the forecastle were responsible for handling the headsails and the anchors. These roles were generally reserved for older seamen with less agility. In 1857, Richard Squires received a land warrant from the U.S. Government. These grants were given to veterans of the U.S. Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and Indian Wars. He was able to sell his for $150.00, which is equivalent to $5000.00 of purchasing power today (C.P.I.). Richard Squires was a widower and had a daughter Dorothy Squire of Ipswich, Massachusetts. Richard Squires came to live at Sailors’ Snug Harbor on May 3, 1859, and was signed in by Governor Augustus dePayton. He would reside at the Harbor until his death ten years later. Richard Squires is buried in Plot 1, see cemetery map.

The Privateer Ship America

The Privateer Ship America from Salem Massachusetts-http://thegibsonhousemuseum.blogspot.com

 

Richard Squires in the War of 1812 was among many Seamen that would become well equipped as Privateers, serving in the U.S.N., to handle British War Ships within the same class of ship and to take Merchant Prizes. The Derbys were wealthy Salam Merchants and a Privateering Family. During the War of 1812, the Derby Family donated two Ships, the Grand Turk and the Mount Vernon, to the U.S.N. to act as privateers against British Shipping (Butler, 30). The Crowninshields were another rich Salem family that were privateers and merchants. They donated the America IV, a 473-ton merchantman. America shipped with 23 guns and 150 sailors and became the most successful at taking prizes. During the war, America took twenty-six British ships that sold for more than a million dollars (Butler, 31). By the end of the war, the British and the Americans had lost so much tonnage of Ships that thoughts were that Privateering played a hand in the Treaty of Ghent (Butler, 31).

 

Constellation

Engraving of Constellation in dry dock, c. 1859

 

Richard Squires served on the USS Constellation as Captain of the forecastle from July 28, 1855, until 1857. The USS Constellation was under the command of Captain Charles H. Bell (Footner, 257). She departed Portsmouth, Virginia, to meet with the Mediterranean Squadron on July 28, 1855 (Footner,246,257). In July of 1856, the USS Constellation stopped at Malaga, Spain, to protect American Nationals during an uprising against the government (Navel History and Heritage Command). Next, the Constellation came to the aid of a bark in the Sea of Marmara. The Ship received special thanks from the Emperor of Austria (Navel History and Heritage Command). The Ship returned to the New York Navy Yard in 1858 (Footner,257), but Richard Squires seems to have shipped home prior aboard another ship in 1857 (Richard Squires Registration Page).

 

USS_Constellation_1994

USS Constellation 1994

By Stunned Duck - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=97388989