John Cushing Aylwin
Encyclopedia
John Cushing Aylwin was an officer in the United States Navy
during the War of 1812
.
Born in Quebec, Canada, Aylwin worked on board British
naval vessels at an early age. Though never formally enrolled in the Royal Navy
, he received increasing responsibilities eventually performing the duties of a mate by 1795. He refused the offer of a midshipman
's warrant but continued service at sea—apparently against his will—for another six years. Ill health, however, finally brought about his return home.
Then, for several years, he commanded merchant ships out of Boston, Massachusetts. When war between the United States and Great Britain broke out in 1812, Aylwin received an appointment as a lieutenant in the United States Navy and became sailing master in Constitution
. He received commendations for his gallantry during that frigate's engagement with Guerriere
on 19 August 1812.
Lt. Aylwin took part in the battle between Constitution and HMS Java
on 29 December 1812. Severely wounded during that encounter, Aylwin later died at sea.
for him.
United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
during the War of 1812
War of 1812
The War of 1812 was a military conflict fought between the forces of the United States of America and those of the British Empire. The Americans declared war in 1812 for several reasons, including trade restrictions because of Britain's ongoing war with France, impressment of American merchant...
.
Born in Quebec, Canada, Aylwin worked on board British
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
naval vessels at an early age. Though never formally enrolled in the Royal Navy
Royal Navy
The Royal Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Founded in the 16th century, it is the oldest service branch and is known as the Senior Service...
, he received increasing responsibilities eventually performing the duties of a mate by 1795. He refused the offer of a midshipman
Midshipman
A midshipman is an officer cadet, or a commissioned officer of the lowest rank, in the Royal Navy, United States Navy, and many Commonwealth navies. Commonwealth countries which use the rank include Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, India, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Kenya...
's warrant but continued service at sea—apparently against his will—for another six years. Ill health, however, finally brought about his return home.
Then, for several years, he commanded merchant ships out of Boston, Massachusetts. When war between the United States and Great Britain broke out in 1812, Aylwin received an appointment as a lieutenant in the United States Navy and became sailing master in Constitution
USS Constitution
USS Constitution is a wooden-hulled, three-masted heavy frigate of the United States Navy. Named by President George Washington after the Constitution of the United States of America, she is the world's oldest floating commissioned naval vessel...
. He received commendations for his gallantry during that frigate's engagement with Guerriere
HMS Guerriere (1806)
HMS Guerriere was a 38-gun fifth-rate frigate of the Royal Navy, which had previously sailed with the French Navy as the Guerrière. She became famous for her fight against ....
on 19 August 1812.
Lt. Aylwin took part in the battle between Constitution and HMS Java
HMS Java (1811)
HMS Java was a British Royal Navy 38-gun fifth-rate frigate. She was originally launched in 1805 as the Renommée, described as a 40-gun Pallas-class French Navy frigate, but the vessel actually carried 46 guns...
on 29 December 1812. Severely wounded during that encounter, Aylwin later died at sea.
Namesakes
Four ships in the United States Navy have been named USS AylwinUSS Aylwin
Four ships in the United States Navy have been named USS Aylwin for John Cushing Aylwin.* The , was launched in 1813, fought in the Battle of Lake Champlain and sold in 1815....
for him.