Ship's Crew

Anderson joined the Constitution on June 22, 1812 in Washington Navy Yard as a quarter gunner. As such, Anderson helped the gunner and his mates with their duties.

Quarter gunners received supervision from the gunner’s mates. Most ships carried one quarter gunner for every four guns. Their duties were similar to those of the gunner’s mates. But they were also considered prime seamen and often found themselves keeping watch and supervising tricky sail handling maneuvers. Quarter gunners made $18.00 per month.

Battles and Engagements

Anderson participated in the victories over the Guerriere and Java , securing himself $148.43 in prize money for the latter. He was also on board for the first cruise under the command of Captain Charles Stewart, in which Constitution captured three merchant ships and a man-of-war schooner. During the battles he was stationed in the main magazine to oversee the distribution of cartridges.

Anderson was discharged in Boston, Massachusetts on June 6, 1814. His date and place of death are unknown.