William Eaton | |
|---|---|
&sq=Facebook&lang=en&file=File:WilliamEaton.jpg) Eaton c. 1807 | |
| Born | February 23, 1764 Woodstock, Connecticut, British America |
| Died | June 1, 1811 (aged 47) Brimfield, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service | Continental Army United States Army |
| Years of service | 1780–1783 1792-1797 1799–1803 (Consul to Tunis) |
| Rank | Consul General |
| Battles / wars | First Barbary War (1801-1805) |
William Eaton (23 February 1764[1] – 1 June 1811[2]) was a United States Army officer and the diplomatic officer Consul General to Tunis (1797–1803). He played an important diplomatic and military role in the First Barbary War between the United States and Tripoli (1801–1805). He led the first foreign United States military victory at the Battle of Derne by capturing the Tripoli subject city of Derne in support of the restoration of the pasha (local monarch), Hamet Caramelli.[3] He also gave testimony at the treason trial of former Vice President Aaron Burr.[4] Eaton served one term in the General Court of Massachusetts, which is the state legislature both during and after the colonial era. Eaton died on June 1, 1811, at the age of 47.
- ^ Prentiss, p. 10
- ^ Macleod, Julia H., Wright, Louise B. William Eaton's Relationship with Aaron Burr. The Mississippi Valley Historical Review, Vol. 31, No. 4. 1945
- ^ Adams, p. 430
- ^ Wheelan, Joseph. Jefferson's Vendetta: The Pursuit of Burr and the Judiciary. Carroll and Graf. 2005