(1808-87) Appointed a midshipman in 1822, he rose to the rank of lieutenant in 1830, and in 1838, Craven commanded the U.S.S. Vincennes, the flagship of Captain Charles Wilkes during the Antarctic exploring expedition. He served as commandant of the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, 1850-52, and was subsequently promoted to rank of commander. At the beginning of the Civil War, he commanded the Potomac River flotilla, and in 1862, as captain of the U.S.S. Brooklyn, he served under Rear Admiral David G. Farragut, participating in the capture of New Orleans, and all of the naval actions on the Mississippi River. Promoted to commodore on July 16, 1862, he commanded the U.S.S. Niagra, whose mission it was to search for Confederate cruisers and warships in European waters. Craven was promoted to rear admiral in 1866, and was appointed commander of the Pacific Squadron in 1868. His younger brother, Tunis Craven, was killed at the Battle of Mobile Bay, while in command of the U.S.S. Tecumseh, which was sunk on August 5, 1864. Admiral Thomas T. Craven is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Naval Document Signed: 8 x 2 1/4, imprinted form, filled out in ink. United States Navy Yard, New York, 1st May 1848. Received from Samuel P. Todd, Purser of the U.[nitrd] States Navy, Ninety eight Dollars, forty three Cents, on account of my Pay, &c. $98.43. Signed, Thos. T. Craven. Includes pay stub at left. Very fine.