Ship's Crew
David Alkins
Rank(s): Able Seaman
Dates of Service: 8/27/1813 - 8/21/1815
Early Life
Alkins’ date and place of birth are unknown.
Alkins joined Constitution ’s crew on August 27, 1813 as an able seaman at Boston. He was paid off and discharged on August 21, 1815.
The able seaman was the elite member of the crew. Having sailed for years “before the mast” on merchant vessels or worked his way up through the ranks in the navy, it was on him that the officers relied for the smooth operation of the ship. The traditional requirements for the seaman were that he be able to “hand (furl or take in a sail), reef (reduce a sail’s area), and steer,” but these were in fact the barest requirements for the seaman rating. In addition, they were expected to be familiar with nearly all aspects of shipboard labor. He had to be able to cast the sounding lead, be able to sew a sail with a palm and needle, and understand all parts of the rigging and the stowage of the hold. Furthermore, he had to know how to fight, as part of a gun crew or with small arms. It was from the ranks of the able seamen that the petty and warrant officers were drawn. The able seaman made $12.00 per month.
Battles and Engagements
Alkins was on board for the battle with HMS Cyane and Levant on February 20, 1815. He shared in the $20,000 awarded the crew for the capture of Cyane and received $22.19 as his share for the Levant . During the battle he served as powder boy for gun no. 4 on the forecastle.
Alkins’ date and place of death are unknown.
Crew ID
340
