Ship's Crew
Lawrence Beekman
Rank(s): Ordinary Seaman
Dates of Service: 8/19/1812 - 12/29/1812
Early Life
Beekman’s date and place of birth are unknown.
Early Experience
Beekman joined the Navy on May 12, 1812 and reported for duty aboard Constitution on June 11, 1812, in Washington, DC.
Beekman’s battle station was no. 4 Long Gun, 2nd Loader, but his watch section is unknown. His specific duty aboard ship was to be a semi-skilled member of the ship’s basic labor force.
Among the enlisted men, ordinary seamen stood in the middle of the lower-deck hierarchy. These men had typically sailed one or two voyages and knew basic seamanship. Like the able seamen, they too could “hand, reef, and steer,” but some of the more complicated maneuvers were foreign to them. Many ordinary seamen would have been numbered among the topmen, the young and agile crewmembers who were responsible for working aloft on the masts and yards. The ordinary seaman made $10.00 per month.
Battles and Engagements
During his time on board, the ship made a diplomatic voyage to France and Holland. He later participated in the victories over HMS Guerriere , on August 19, 1812, and HMS Java , on December 29, 1812. For these victories he received $42.62 ½ and $42.30 in prize money.
Beekman departed the ship after February 17, 1813. His date and place of death are unknown.
Crew ID
1437
