Ship's Crew
George O. Bartlett
Rank(s): Marine Private
Dates of Service: 6/24/1813 -
Birth Date: 1787
Early Life
George Bartlett was born sometime in 1787 in Marblehead, Massachusetts, son of John and Hannah Bartlett. Before joining the Marine Corps in 1813, Bartlett was a shoemaker.
Early Experience
Bartlett enlisted as a private in the Marine Corps on May 25, 1813.
On May 25, 1813, Bartlett was described as having a light complexion, brown hair and hazel eyes.
Bartlett joined Constitution ’s crew as a private on June 24, 1813.
Marine privates served as the shipboard police force and were, in effect, seagoing 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 gundeck. 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
Barker fought in the battles with HMS Cyane and HMS Levant and received $22.19 in prize money.
Barker was transferred to the ex-HMS Cyane on February 20, 1815 and then transferred to the USS United States on August 25, 1815. He was promoted to corporal some time during his service around October 29, but the year is unknown. His date and place of death are unknown.
Crew ID
1075
