In 1798, Peter St. Medard left private practice in Boston to serve in the new United States Navy and the newly launched frigate USS Constitution as surgeon under Captain Samuel Nicholson. Born in 1755 in France, the son of a merchant and nephew of naval surgeons, he followed in his family’s footsteps and, by age 18, was sailing on slave trading voyages to Africa and the West Indies. Captured by the Royal Navy during the American Revolution, he spent time on the infamous British prison ship JERSEY at New York. Released from captivity to Boston, he embraced the newly formed United States as his home and joined the Continental Navy as a surgeon.
Although discharged under the Peace Establishment Act of 1801, which ended the Quasi-War with France, Medard returned to the U.S. Navy in 1802 as surgeon for the frigate NEW YORK. It was probably during that ship’s Mediterranean cruise that a European artist painted this oil on canvas portrait. Now 48 years old, Medard wears the gold-embroidered surgeon’s uniform authorized by the Secretary of the Navy in August 1802. ⚕️ ⚓
🎨 USS Constitution Museum Collection. Miss Esther Gilbert Bequest.
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In honor of today's Kentucky Derby, meet the retired race thoroughbred "Old Ironsides!"
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Huzzah! Throughout the Month of May all U.S. Service Members, Veterans, and their families receive free Museum admission through the generous support of USAA. We're so grateful to them for helping us serve the military community during #MilitaryAppreciationMonth. 🇺🇸
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How about Navy Federal credit union?
Today's the last day to vote! Please support us by voting for the Museum as a Boston Parents Family Favorite "Museums and Attractions." There's still time: bit.ly/3vXEftL
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Voted! Best of luck!
