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EDWARD, an American naval officer; born in Portland, Me., Aug. 15, 1761; crossed the ocean to Europe in an American privateer in 1777; served as midshipman in the "Protector" in 1779; was captured and imprisoned for some time in the prison-ship "Jersey"; was promoted captain in 1799, in which year he commanded the "Essex" in the East Indies for the protection of American interests. Early in 1803 he was made commander of the "Constitution"; and in June of that year was placed in command of a fleet sent against Tripoli.
He greatly distinguished himself in causing that country to sue for peace, a feat accomplished by a number of skillful bombardments. He returned to the United States and received through Congress the thanks of the nation and a gold medal. He died in Portland, Me., Aug. 25, 1807. 1 PRECEDENCE