Ship's Crew

William Collins was transferred from USS Hornet and joined Constitution ’s crew as an ordinary seaman on July 10, 1811. He was assigned to gun no. 14, 1st loader as a part of the third division, gun deck. He was discharged after February 17, 1813.

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. Collins participated in the battle with HMS Guerriere and received $42.62 ½ in prize money. He also participated in the battle with HMS Java and received $42.30 in prize money.

Collins’ place and date of death are unknown.