Ship's Crew
John Campbell
Rank(s): Marine Private
Dates of Service: 6/28/1812 - 10/17/1812
Birth Date: 1780
Early Life
John Campbell was born in 1780 in Ireland.
Early Experience
Campbell enlisted as a private in the Marine Corps on June 12, 1811.
In 1811, he was 6 feet with dark eyes, a ruddy complexion, and dark brown hair.
He was transferred to Constitution on June 28, 1812. Campbell joined Constitution ’s crew as a private on October 17, 1812. After September 15, 1812, he departed.
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 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
Campbell participated in the battle with HMS Guerriere and received $42.62 ½ in prize money.
Campbell’s place and date of death are unknown.
Crew ID
2036
