Naval officer; born in
Scituate, R. I., in 1718.
Governor Cooke commissioned him a brigadier-general at the breaking out of the Revolution.
In December, 1775, Congress commissioned him commander-in-chief of the inchoate navy, and he put to sea in the first squadron in February, 1776, consisting of four ships and three sloops, sailing for the
Bahama Islands.
There he captured a large quantity of ordnance stores and ammunition, and 100 cannon.
He captured two British vessels on his return.
Complaint was made that he had not annoyed the British ships on the southern coast, and he was arraigned before the naval
committee of Congress on the charge.
He was acquitted, but unavoidable delays in getting vessels to sea afterwards caused other charges to be made, and he was dismissed the service, Jan. 2, 1777.
During his long life he exerted great political influence in
Rhode Island.
He died in
North Providence, R. I., Feb. 26, 1802.
