Esek Hopkins

Esek Hopkins /ˈˌzɛk/ (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.

Esek Hopkins
Born(1718-04-26)April 26, 1718
Scituate, Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
DiedFebruary 26, 1802(1802-02-26) (aged 83)
Providence, Rhode Island
Buried
North Burial Ground,
Providence
Allegiance United States
Service/branchPrivateer
Continental Navy
Years of service1754–1763 (privateer)
1775–1778 (Continental Navy)
RankCaptain (Privateer)
Commodore (Continental Navy)
Battles/warsFrench and Indian War
American Revolutionary War
Spouse(s)Desire Burroughs
Signature

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.

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