Take What You Need

Esek Hopkins may not be a hero in the full sense of the word but I like his initiative and leadership. I think you will enjoy his story as well.

Esek Hopkins was born in Rhode Island on the 26th of April, 1718. As a young man he began a career at sea, captaining merchant vessels and, during the French and Indian War, he was a successful privateer. Hopkins had sailed to nearly every quarter of the earth before the Revolutionary War.
On December 22, 1775, Esek Hopkins was appointed Commander in Chief of the first American naval fleet.

In mid-February 1776, Commodore Hopkins sailed from Philadelphia, the Chesapeake Bay, along the southern coast and off Rhode Island. Realizing that enemy strength was too great to permit execution of this ambitious task, Hopkins instead undertook what would be the Navy's first amphibious offensive. On the 3rd of March, his squadron put a landing party ashore Nassau, in the Bahamas. Marines and sailors landed in "a bold stroke, worthy of an older and better trained service," capturing munitions desperately needed in the War of Independence. The American fleet returned home with more than 85 artillery pieces and a great deal of valuable gunpowder.

On the 4th of April, 1776, while en route home, the Continental ships encountered and captured two small British warships.

John Hancock, President of the Continental Congress, wrote Hopkins: "I beg leave to congratulate you on the success of your Expedition. Your account of the spirit and bravery shown by the men affords them [Congress] the greatest satisfaction . . . "

Esek Hopkins then brought his fleet into home waters and began a successful foray against enemy ships along the east coast. Later in a battle with the British Glasgow, Hopkins came under critical fire for his undertaking with the 20-gun Glasgow and her escape. Several months later was dismissed as the only man ever to hold the title "Commander in Chief of the Fleet."

Esek Hopkins retained his local popularity and served the Rhode Island legislature. He continued to serve the Rhode Island General Assembly through 1786, then retired to his farm where he died the 26th of February 1802.

I would like to see this story in the headlines today. Of course there is no need for us to go and take munitions from anyone else we make our own now -- or wait a minute! China here we come. . . . . !