Ship's Crew

Joseph M. Black joined the Constitution ’s crew as a junior petty officer some time before 28 October 1812. On September 1, 1813, he re-entered. And in 1814, he was promoted to quarter gunner. In 1814, he had the watch assignment of starboard and no. 12 long gun as 3rd sponger.

As a Junior Petty Officer, Black assisted in the maintenance of the great guns and shot in his Division. 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

Black fought in the battle with HMS Java and received $42.30 in prize money. He also fought in the battle with HMS Cyane and HMS Levant and received $51.81 in prize money.

Black was transferred to USS Enterprise on July 7, 1815. His place and date of death are unknown.