Esek Hopkins, American admiral (b. 1718)
Esek Hopkins (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. 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.