Black Sailors Played a Key Role in War of 1812-- Part 1

From the March 28, 2013, GoErie.com "Guest Voice: Black sailors played key role in War of 1812" by Ayodele Osibodu and John Paul Rossi.

Blacks during the war typically made up between 15-20% of crews on US Naval vessels during the war and had roughly an equality with white sailors.  Blacks were also pressed into the British Navy.

During the USS Constitution-HMS Guerriere battle, blacks performed so ably, that Captain Isaac Hull, the Constitution's commander, wrote, "They stripped to the waist and fought like devils."

All Pulling for the United States.  --Brock-Perry