Ship's Crew
Silvester Holland
Rank(s): Marine Private
Dates of Service: 7/25/1811 - 9/15/1812
Birth Date: 1775
Early Life
Silvester Holland was born in Ireland about 1775.
Early Experience
As a young man, Holland immigrated to America and worked as a laborer in Pennsylvania. On April 4, 1811 he enlisted in the Marine Corps for five years under Captain Hall. He seems to have immediately regretted his decision, because the next day he deserted. He was taken on June 7, 1811 and forced to serve out his enlistment. In 1811, Holland stood 5 feet, 5 inches high, and had grey eyes, brown hair and a ruddy complexion.
While a ship was in port undergoing repair, Marines frequently transferred from ship to shore and back again. Private Holland first joined Constitution ’s crew on July 25, 1811 while the ship was at Annapolis, MD. On April 7, 1812, he returned to Washington, but rejoined the ship on June 11, 1812. He seems to have been transferred to the Boston Navy Yard sometime after September 15, 1812.
Battles and Engagements
Holland participated in the victory over HMS Guerriere on August 19, 1812 and received $42.62 ½ in prize money.
Holland served out his enlistment and was discharged July 1, 1816.
Crew ID
6347
