Brooklyn Navy Yard Check to Sailor killed at Vera Cruz Mexixo

[johnny12550]

HI,

 

I have this check receipt for $43.11 for money received by Passed Midshipman Frederick W. Colby in 1845. He received it at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. He died in Vera Cruz, Mexico during the Mexican American War in 1847. I couldn't find much more info on his death, other that he died at Vera Cruz in 1847. Does anyone know why he would receive this amount from the U.S. Navy. $43 back in those days was equivalent to thousands of dollars in today's money. Thanks--John

[johnny12550]

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[Milkshake]

According to...

 

http://www.westegg.com/inflation/infl.cgi

 

$43.11 in 1845 is $1,079.43 in 2014.

 

Looks like basic pay to me.