Ship's Crew
Samuel T. Cooper
Rank(s): Sailing Master
Dates of Service: 11/10/1813 -
Early Life
Cooper’s place and date of birth are unknown.
Early Experience
Before November 10, 1813, Cooper was the acting sailing master of USS Chesapeake. On June 1813, Chesapeake was captured by HMS Shannon, and he was taken as a prisoner of war. He was returned to Constitution.
Samuel Cooper was a returned crewmember of defeated USS Chesapeake . He joined Constitution ’s crew as acting sail master before November 10, 1813.
The sailing master was responsible for the day-to-day running of the ship. He had to be an excellent seaman and navigator and be well-versed at working and maintaining a vessel at sea. He oversaw the loading and stowing of ballast, provisions, and other cargo. Navigation was his direct responsibility, and he was in charge of keeping the logbook and charts. In addition to the ship’s logbook he was to keep a journal in which he noted navigational challenges or dangers not marked on charts, inventories of stores and provisions brought aboard and used. Finally, he was responsible for keeping the ship in good sailing trim. The master’s mates, boatswain, and carpenter reported to the sailing master. Because a sailing master held his rank by virtue of a warrant from the Navy Department rather than a commission, his was a non-promotion-track position. He was paid $40.00 per month and was allowed two rations per day.
Cooper’s place and date of death are unknown.
Crew ID
2015
