Ship's Crew

James Cripps joined Constitution ’s crew as a quarter gunner before October 28, 1812. In 1812, he was assigned to gun no. 3, 1st captain as a part of the first division, gun deck. He was discharged on September 24, 1813.

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

Cripps participated in the battle with HMS Java and received $42.30 in prize money.

Cripps’ place and date of death are unknown. He died after January 1814.