Ship's Crew

Howard enlisted in the Marines at Boston on October 15, 1812. In early 1813 he was transferred from the Marine barracks to the frigate Chesapeake. He joined Constitution’s crew on August 19, 1813 and was transferred to the Charlestown Marine barracks on October 20, 1813.

Marine privates served as the shipboard police force and were, in effect, sea-going soldiers. They used the same manual of arms as the army and trained in much the same way. Unlike the army, Marines had to be familiar with naval work and warfare. Marines could not be ordered aloft to do the work of the seamen there, but they could expect to man the capstan or serve as gun crews on the gun deck. Marines stood watch as sentries at sensitive parts of the ship, to see that no unauthorized people passed into those spaces (such as the captain’s cabin or the spirit room). In battle, Marines armed with muskets or rifles took up station along the gangway or in the tops to keep up a constant fire on the enemy’s decks. The Marine private received $6.00-$8.00 per month.

Battles and Engagements
During his time on board, the ship was blockaded in Boston harbor.

Howard received his discharge from the Marines on October 29, 1817. He returned to Lynn, where he resumed the shoemaker’s trade. On March 21, 1855, he filed a declaration to obtain bounty land to which he was entitled under the Bounty Land Act of March 3, 1855. He was awarded 160 acres for his service.

Howard died of “paralysis” on July 25, 1857 in Lynn. His widow applied for and received a pension of $8.00 per month, commencing February 14, 1871. Lydia Howard died July 16, 1884.