Esek Hopkins | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | April 26, 1718 Scituate, Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations |
| Died | February 26, 1802 (aged 83) Providence, Rhode Island |
| Buried | North Burial Ground, Providence |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service | Privateer Continental Navy |
| Years of service | 1754–1763 (privateer) 1775–1778 (Continental Navy) |
| Rank | Captain (Privateer)  Commodore (Continental Navy) |
| Battles / wars | French and Indian War American Revolutionary War |
| Spouse(s) | Desire Burroughs |
| Signature |  |
Esek Hopkins /ˈiːˌzɛk/ (April 26, 1718 – February 26, 1802) was an American naval officer, merchant captain, and privateer. Achieving the rank of Commodore, Hopkins was the only Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Navy during the American Revolutionary War. The Continental Congress commissioned him as Commander-in-Chief of the Navy in December 1775.[1][2][3]
He is noted for his successful raid on the British port of Providence, in The Bahamas, and capturing large stores of military supplies. His legacy today has become controversial for his involvement in the Trans-Atlantic slave trade.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
EB1911was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ "Esek Hopkins appointed Commander-in-Chief of Continental Navy". California SAR. 22 December 2022. Retrieved 2023-02-20.
- ^ "Esek Hopkins | United States naval officer | Britannica". www.britannica.com. Retrieved 2023-02-20.