Ship's Crew

Hugh Dougherty was transferred to Constitution as an able seaman on June 17, 1810. He was promoted to carpenter’s mate on January 6, 1811. He was transferred to USS Hornet on July 28, 1811. He re-entered as an able seaman on June 22, 1812. In 1812, he was assigned to carpenter’s crew to attend shot holes. He was discharged after February 17, 1813.

The carpenter’s mates assisted the carpenter with all of his duties. They were usually skilled men who had learned the trade ashore or in the merchant service. They worked alongside the carpenter as he surveyed the hull and decks, sounded the well, or attended the pump. The mates prepared lead sheathing and plugs to stop up shot holes created in battle, and knew how to fish (repair with a splint) damaged masts and yards. Carpenter’s mates made $19.00 per month.

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
Dougherty participated in the battle with HMS Guerriere and received $42.62 ½ in prize money. He also participated in the battle with HMS Java and received $42.30 in prize money.

Dougherty’s place and date of death are unknown.