Ship's Crew

Able seaman Hyatt transferred from USS Essex to Constitution on August 4, 1811. He was discharged on March 18, 1813 in Boston.

Battles and Engagements

During 1811 and early 1812, the ship patrolled the American coast enforcing US trade laws and carried out a diplomatic mission to France and Holland. Hyatt participated in the battles with HMS Guerriere and HMS Java . He was stationed at the no. 8 long gun where he served as second loader and second boarder. He received $42.62 ½ and $42.30 in prize money for the two battles.

When he was discharged from the Navy on March 18, 1813, Surgeon Amos Evans issued Hyatt a disability certificate. According to Evans, Hyatt lost the use of his right hand, “injured by the anchor.” The certificate entitled Hyatt, a resident of Boston, his $12 a month pay up to the date of his discharge. Afterwards he received a pension of $6 per month until at least 1826. In July of 1817, though, he had someone write to the Navy Department on his behalf, requesting that his pension be payable in New York from then on. Hyatt signed the letter, but in a letter from November 1817, he merely made his mark.