Truxtun
THOMAS, an American naval officer; born in Long Island, N. Y., Feb. 17, 1755; joined the navy in 1767.
When the Revolutionary War began he was in command of the "Andrew Caldwell," a merchant vessel, in which he carried a cargo of powder to Philadelphia. During the same year his vessel was captured by the frigate "Argo." He was then made a lieutenant in the navy and assigned to the "Congress," the first American ship commissioned as privateer. In 1776 he captured several prizes in the West Indies, and the following year took command of the "Independence," with which he took a number of prizes, including one more heavily armed than his own vessel.
Later he equipped the "Mars" with 20 guns and cruised the English channel, doing much damage to British merchant marine. In 1781 he was assigned to the "Commerce," with which he defeated a British vessel with 32 guns. In all of his engagements with the enemy he was uniformly victorious. In 1798, when the United States navy was organized, he was selected as one of its six captains, and was placed in command of the "Constellation," and was ordered to protect American commerce in the West Indies.
In February, 1799, he fought a severe battle with the powerful French ship, "L'Insurgente" and captured her after killing 29 of her crew and wou wounding 44.
In recognition of this service a number of London merchants forwarded him a plate valued at 600 guineas. In January, 1800, he defeated the French frigachievement received a gold medal and thanks from Congress. In 1802 he was assigned to command a fleet to participate in the war with Tripoli, and went to Norfolk to join the "Chesapeake."
About the same time he requested the appointment of a captain for his flagship. His letter was taken to mean his resignation, which was accepted against his wishes. He was the author of "Remarks, Instructions and Examples Relating to Latitude and Longitude" (1794). He died in Philadelphia, Pa., May 5, 1822. naval officer; born in 1832; entered the