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Marine Lieutenant William Sharp Bush

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Home Educators Pre & Post Activities Join the Crew-Life at Sea Sailor Stories Marine Lieutenant William Sharp Bush
(C) Stephen Biesty

Marine Lieutenant William Sharp Bush

How I came to be here.
I am Marine Lieutenant William Sharp Bush. I was born in 1786 in Wilmington, Delaware, and grew up there. There is a long tradition of soldiering in my family, so when the British began to insult and provoke our nation recently, I felt it was my duty to join the Delaware militia. I volunteered for the Marines in 1809, and was posted to Constitution with the rank of First Lieutenant when this present war began.

I lead the ship’s smartest men.
I am proud to command the bravest, best turned-out men on board the Constitution. When battle begins (and I pray this happens soon) I shall deploy them with their muskets on the deck and in the fighting tops, to pick off the enemy one-by-one. Until then, I am – in effect – in charge of the ship’s guards and police force.

Where you will find me?
In battle my station is on the quarterdeck, with the naval officers of the Constitution. At other times I am harder to find, for my work takes me wherever my 50 men may be. Some guard the spirit store or grog tub, others the captain’s cabin. Sometimes you can find me by following the sound of musket shots, as I watch my sergeants drill the men at marksmanship.

Navy and Marines.
It is an honor to serve on the Constitution, but the ship’s seamen make it clear they do not welcome Marines on board. They would rather that a company of dogs defended their ship! Even officers fail to respect my men’s skills. They are trained fighters, not laborers, yet when it is time to raise the anchor my men are forced to work the capstan alongside common sailors

What happened to me?
Marine Lieutenant Bush’s career on USS Constitution was short and ended tragically. In the battle with HMS Guerierre, the rigging of the two vessels became tangled, locking them close together. Seeing an opportunity to jump easily onto Guerierre’s deck, Bush shouted “Shall I board her, sir?” At that moment a Royal Marine shot him through the head, and he died instantly. Congress later honored him with a medal for his part in the battle.

 

Download

William Sharp Bush.pdf

Related Resources

2270_1_0001 (1)

William Sharp Bush to Jabez Caldwell, June 5, 1810

Museum Collection, Letter

Sharp 1811 (1)

William Sharp Bush to Jabez Caldwell, March 5, 1811

Museum Collection, Letter

Contee 1812 (1)

John Contee to Lewis Bush, September 13, 1812

Museum Collection, Letter

William-Bush-Portrait

From the Desk of a Marine

Museum Blog Post

USS CONSTITUTION MUSEUM | Charlestown Navy Yard, Building 22, Charlestown, MA 02129 | 6174261812

Mass Cultural Council
Copyright © 2015 USS Constitution Museum. All Rights Reserved.
  • Visit
    • Plan Your Visit
    • Directions & Parking
    • Groups & Field Trips
    • Calendar of Events
    • Museum Map
    • Host an Event
    • In Our Neighborhood
    • Library Pass Program
  • Exhibits
    • Past Exhibits
    • Ship Model Show
    • The Model Shipwright Guild
    • Hands-On Areas
  • Discover + Learn
  • Educators
  • Shop
    • Shop Now
    • Buy a Membership
  • Support
    • Donate
    • Membership
    • USS Constitution Museum Gala
    • Memorial Bricks
    • Support Our Collections
    • Legacy Giving
    • Foundation Support
    • Amazon Smile
    • Host an Event
      • Approved Caterers
      • Guide to Hosting Functions and Special Events at the Museum
    • Donor Privacy Policy
  • About
    • Mission & History
      • Founders
      • National Awards
    • Board of Trustees
    • Publications
    • Family Learning Project
    • National Outreach
    • For Press & Media
    • Jobs & Volunteering
    • Contact Us
USS Constitution Museum