John Wainwright was, possibly, from Annapolis, Maryland. He was commissioned to the Maryland Privateer Sloop Ranger on 8 October 1778. [NRAR, 429]

Aaron Waitt, of Salem, Massachusetts, is associated in privateering with JOHN LEACH and BENJAMIN GOODHUE. He is associated with the following privateers:

Date

State

Rig/Name/Guns/Crew

Commander

Co-owners

Security

Witness

8/16/77

MA

Schooner Spy (8/20)

Thomas Philips

Thomas Philips, Aaron Waitt, Timothy Chamberlain

John Dudley, John Wentworth, Jr. [NRAR, 462]

8/19/77

MA

Schooner Union (8/25)

John Blackler

John Blackler, Aaron Waitt, Timothy Chamberlain

George Gains, John Dudley [NRAR, 482]

4/6/78

MA

Schooner Cutter (/20)

David Smith

Aaron Waitt et al

David Smith, Aaron Waitt, Jeremiah Roale

Fitch Pool [Allen, MPR, 107]

4/6/78

MA

Schooner Tatnibush (†/25)

Jeremiah Rolls [Roale]

Aaron Wait et al

Jeremiah Rolls, Aaron Wait et al

Fitch Pool [Alle, MPR, 296]

12/19/80

MA

Ship Harlequin (18/60)

Daniel Needham

Daniel Needham, John Dutch, Joseph Howard

John Rand, Jonathan Moore [NRAR, 327]

5/7/81

MA

Schooner Greyhound (8/35)

Jacob Wilds

Jacob Wilds, Aaron Waitt, Joseph Howard

George Calder, Eleazer Wyer [NRAR, 321]

11/15/82

MA

Brig Mermaid (14/11)

Jonathan Tucker

Jonathan Tucker, Eliezer Wheelwright, Joseph Howard

William Lambert, David Spear [NRAR, 391]

Date

State

Rig/Name/Guns/Crew

Commander

Co-owners

Security

Witness

10/30/80

MA

Ship Two Brothers (8/30)

Daniel Sanders

John Leach

Daniel Sanders, John Leach, Aaron Waitt

Jonathan Waldo, Robert Leach [NRAR, 479]

10/31/81

MA

Ship Robust (12/25)

Jonathan Tucker

Benjamin Goodhue

Jonathan Tucker, Benjamin Goodhue, Aaron Waitt

G. Holman, John Tucker [NRAR, 445]

11/1/81

MA

Schooner Elizabeth (4/10)

Samuel West

Benjamin Goodhue

Samuel West, Benjamin Goodhue, Jr., Aaron Waitt

Caleb Low, William Shillaber [NRAR, 281]

12/20/81

MA

Schooner Elizabeth (4/10)

Clifford Byrne

Benjamin Goodhue

Clifford Byrne, Aaron Waitt, Benjamin Goodhue, Jr.

John Tucker, William Shillaber [NRAR, 281]

John Waitt [or Wait], of Boston and Marblehead, Massachusetts, was associated in privateering with SAMUEL PERKINS and NATHANIEL BROOKHOUSE. He is associated with the following privateers:

Date

State

Rig/Name/Guns/Crew

Commander

Co-owners

Security

Witness

9/21/80

MA

Brigantine Huntington (6/15)

Samuel Skinner

Samuel Perkins

Samuel Skinner, John Wait, Samuel Perkins

John Boit, Benjamin Hammatt, Jr. [NRAR, 348]

8/28/81

MA

Schooner Dart (2/25)

Lemuel Perkins

Nathaniel Brookhouse

Lemuel Perkins, Nathaniel Brookhouse, John Waitt

Daniel Jones, Nathaniel Barber [NRAR, 262]

Richard Walch [NRAR, 388] (or Walsh) [NOAR, 323] was a resident of Baltimore, Maryland. On 10 May 1781 he was commissioned to the Maryland Privateer Sloop Mataponi. [NRAR, 388. Given as Nataponi in NOAR, 323]

Albegence (or Albigence) Waldo was aboard the Connecticut Navy Ship Oliver Cromwell as Surgeon on 25 February 1777, according to the crew list. [NDAR, VII, 1283-1287] Dr. Waldo was one of those officers who roomed and boarded ashore during the time the ship was fitting out, from about 10 October 1776 to 12 December 1776. [NDAR, VII, 459] He treated one of Connecticut Navy Brig Defence's crew in February 1777. [NDAR, VII, 1220-1221]

Owned South Carolina pilot boat schooner leased to South Carolina Navy. Paid *200 for her use on 19 December 1775 (Hawke). Vessel lost 5 February 1776. In conference on 6 February concerning eliminating land marks on the bar.

Jonathan Waldron was probably a resident of New Haven, Connecticut. He was associated in privateering with EBEN TOWNSEND, WILLIAM HELMS, and ENOCH BROWN, among others. Privateers associated with Waldron were:

Date

State

Rig/Name/Guns/Crew

Commander

Co-owners

Security

Witness

3/8/80

CT

Sloop Vengeance (14/80)

William Dennis

Jonathan Waldron

William Dennis, Jonathan Waldron, Thomas Mumford

Gurdon Saltonstall, David Mumford [NRAR, 484]

6/2/80

CT

Brig Sally (6/12)

Israel Bishop

Eben Townsend, William Helms, Enoch Brown, Jonathan Waldron

Israel Bishop, William Helms, Eben Townsend

Jonathan Fitch, Elizabeth M. Fitch [NRAR, 452]

6/23/81

CT

Brigantine Resolution (10/20)

Peleg Eldred

Jonathan Waldron & Co

Peleg Eldred, Edward Hallam, David Trumbull

John Porter, Joseph Abel {NRAR, 437]

7/2/82

CT

Schooner Jolly Robin (4/25)

Isaac Sheffield, Jr.

Jonathan Waldron & Co.

Isaac Sheffield, Jr., Jabez Perkins, John Alden

William Williams, William Hillhouse [NRAR, 360]

Samuel Wales enlisted as a Sergeant of Massachusetts Marines on board the Massachusetts Navy Brig Hazard. He was promoted to Lieutenant of Marines and assigned to Massachusetts Navy Ship Protector. Wales was promoted again, serving as Captain of Marines on the Massachusetts Navy Ship Tartar. In August 1781 Tartar was captured by the British. [NOAR, 323]

Benjamin Walker was an official empowered to settle accounts of the Continental Navy with the title Commissioner of Accounts of the Marine Department. On 8 October 1786 he was in New York, where he issued recommendations in regard to Captain Abraham Whipple’s accounts.  On 2 November he enquired of Captain John Barry regarding the books of the Alliance after 1781. [NRAR, 211] He issued various recommendations from there on other matters until 10 July 1787. [NRAR, 212, 213]

David Walker was commissioned as Second Lieutenant in the New York Navy in 1776. He served aboard New York Navy Schooner General Putnam. [NOAR, 323]

John Walker was appointed as First Mate on the Maryland Privateer Schooner James (Commander JOHN HANSON) on 12 February 1779. [NRAR, 355]

Robert Walker was aboard the Alfred. He was captured by the British and committed to Fortun Prison on 18 July 1778, from which he escaped. [NOAR, 323-324]

Samuel Walker was commissioned to the Pennsylvania Privateer Ship General Washington on 3 August 1779. [NRAR, 315]

Thomas Walker was commissioned as a Lieutenant of Maryland Marines in 1776. On 24 August 1776 while he was serving on the ship Defence, he was sent on a mission to bring gunpowder from Virginia to Baltimore. [NOAR, 324]

Thomas Walker, possibly from Annapolis, Maryland, [NRAR, 270]  was commissioned as Captain in the Maryland Navy on 17 May 1777 and assigned to the Maryland Navy Galley Baltimore. [NOAR, 324] On 21 June 1779 he was commissioned to the Maryland Privateer Sloop Dispatch. He was re-commissioned to the Dispatch on 29 February 1780. [NRAR, 270]

Thomas Walker of Virginia was possibly the same as either or both of the Thomas Walkers listed above. He was associated in privateering with JAMES BRADE as Walker, Brade & Co. Vessels associated with Walker were:

Date

State

Rig/Name/Guns/Crew

Commander

Co-owners

Security

Witness

10/1/81

VA

Brigantine Grand Turk (14/60)

Cornelius Schermerhorn

James Brade, Thomas Walker & Co.

Walker, Brade & Co., Richard Baker

John Dandridge [NRAR, 321]

Richard Wall was a [First] Mate on the Richard. He was captured by the British and sent to Fortun Prison (at Gosport, near Portsmouth) on 14 October 1779. On 11 December 1779 he was pardoned, pending exchange. [NOAR, 324]

William Wall was in command of the [Maryland Privateer] Sans Peur, nineteen guns, in 1781. He captured two privateers off England. [NOAR, 324]

Charles Wallace was a merchant of Annapolis, Maryland. He was associated in privateering with ROBERT MORRIS, ISAAC VAN BIBBER, DANIEL WEEMS, JOHN MUIR, JOHN DAVIDSON, STEPHEN STEWARD, WILLIAM LUX, DANIEL BOWLEY, SAMUEL PURVIANCE, ROBERT PURVIANCE, WILLIAM HAMMOND, THOMAS STEEL, THOMAS RUSSELL, JOHN McLURE, JOHN STERETT, DAVID STEWARD, JESSE HOLLINGSWORTH, ALEXANDER MURRAY, JOHN DUMESTRE, and PETER LEMAIGRE. Vessels associated with Wallace were:

Date

State

Rig/Name/Guns/Crew

Commander

Co-owners

Security

Witness

4/1/77

MD

Schooner Montgomery (8/25)

John Burnell

Charles Wallace et al

John Burnell, Charles Wallace, William Wilkins

Richard Ridgely [NRAR, 396]

10/19/77

MD

Sloop Morris and Wallace (8/15)

Nicolas Martin

Charles Wallace, Robert Morris

Nicolas Martin, John Davidson

Thomas Johnson, Jr. [NRAR, 398]

10/20/77

MD

Schooner Williaminta (4/10)

Thomas Waters

Isaac Van Bibber, Charles Wallace, Daniel Weems, John Muir

Thomas Waters, Isaac Van Bibber

Thomas Johnson, Jr. [NRAR, 493]

11/17/78

MD

Schooner Montgomery (6/6)

James Belt

Wallace, Davidson and Johnson

James Belt, John Muir

John Davidson [NRAR, 396]

6/14/79

MD

Brigantine Revenge (12/40)

James Buchanan

Charles Wallace et al

James Buchanan, Robert Purviance

Thomas Johnson, Jr. [NRAR, 440]

1/1/81

MD

Sloop Porpoise (10/18)

William Weems

John Davidson, Charles Wallace, Stephen Steward, Robert Morris

William Weems, Charles Wallace

[NRAR, 419]

Date

State

Rig/Name/Guns/Crew

Commander

Co-owners

Security

Witness

4/15/77

MD

Schooner Revenge (8/35)

William Gosnold

William Lux, Daniel Bowley et al

William Gosnold, Charles Wallace

Richard Ridgely [NRAR, 440]

4/19/77

MD

Sloop General Mercer (10/50)

Thomas Timpson

William Lux & Co.

Thomas Timpson, Charles Wallace

Richard Ridgely [NRAR, 312]

5/26/77

MD

Schooner Harlequin (12/20)

Benjamin Joline

William Lux et al

Benjamin Joline, Charles Wallace

Richard Ridgely [NRAR, 327]

6/17/77

MD

Schooner Gist (2/6)

Henry Geddes

William Hammond et al

Charles Wallace, Henry Geddes

Richard Ridgely [NRAR, 317]

8/5/77

MD

Brig Sturdy Beggar (28/80)

James Campbell

Samuel Purviance, Robert Purviance, Lux, Bowley et al

James Campbell, Charles Wallace

Thomas Johnson, Jr. [NRAR, 465]

10/20/77

MD

Sloop General Gates (6/15)

Thomas Steel

Thomas Steel, William Hammond, Thomas Russell, John McLure

Thomas Steel, Charles Wallace

Thomas Johnson, Jr. [NRAR, 309]

8/18/78

MD

Brig Burling (18/50)

Robert Caulfield

John Sterett, Daniel Bowley et al

Robert Caulfield, Charles Wallace

Thomas Johnson [NRAR, 245]

2/12/79

MD

Schooner James (8/12)

John Hanson

David Steward et al

John Hanson, Charles Wallace

William Hyde [NRAR, 355]

7/19/79

MD

Schooner Felicity (6/25)

Jeremiah Yellott

Jesse Hollingsworth et al

Jeremiah Yellott, Charles Wallace

William Hyde [NRAR, 292]

8/18/79

MD

Sloop Bennington (10/15)

Robert Craige

Alexander Murray et al

Robert Craige, Charles Wallace

William Hyde [NRAR, 234]

8/17/80

MD

Schooner Antelope (14/40)

Jeremiah Yellott

John Sterrett, Jesse Hollingsworth et al

Jeremiah Yellott, Charles Wallace

William Hyde [NRAR, 227]

8/17/80

MD

Schooner Felicity (10/25)

Frederick Folger

John Sterett, Jesse Hollingsworth et al

Frederick Folger, Charles Wallace

William Hyde [NRAR, 292]

7/8/81

MD

Brigantine Spitfire (10/20)

Claude Besse

John Dumestre, Peter Lamaigre

Claude Besse, Charles Wallace

Thomas Johnson, Jr. [NRAR, 461]

Nathaniel Wallace (supposed to be from Pennsylvania) was appointed as Second Lieutenant aboard the Massachusetts Privateer Brig Hancock (Commander WINGATE NEWMAN) in 1776. On 7 December 1776 Wallace volunteered to serve with the Army during emergencies. [NOAR, 324]

Edward Waller served as a Major of Continental Marines (according to NOAR, 324). This is definitively incorrect.

Edmund Waller was commissioned on 30 October 1776 as Third Lieutenant of Virginia Marines under Captain Alexander Dick. [NOAR, 324]

Zebekiah Walley was a Captain in the Maryland Navy (according to NOAR, 324).

Samuel Wallingford was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Continental Marines and assigned to the Continental Navy Ship Ranger (Captain John Paul Jones). On 24 April 1778, during the battle with HM Sloop Drake, Wallingford was killed. [NOAR, 325]

John Walmsley was a native of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. He is associated with the following vessels:

Date

State

Rig/Name/Guns/Crew

Commander

Co-owners

Security

Witness

5/5/81

NH

Ship Mercury (12/50)

Samuel Storer

John Walmsley et al

Samuel Storer, Caleb Sanborn, Samuel Weare

Zebulon Hilyard, Bedford Weare [NRAR, 390]

7/31/81

NH

Brigantine Fair American (8/30)

John Frost

John Walmsley et al

John Frost, John Walmsley, George Libbey

John Simes, John Parker, Jr. [NRAR, 287]

John Walsh was born about 1743. [NOAR, 325] He was commissioned to the Pennsylvania Privateer Schooner Dolphin on 16 June 1781, [NRAR, 272] listing his age as 38. [NOAR, 325] On 21 September 1781 he was commissioned to the Pennsylvania Privateer Brigantine Black Prince. [NRAR, 240]

Keyram Walsh was a native of Newburyport, Massachusetts. On 27 May 1780 he was commissioned to the New Hampshire Privateer Boat Success. [NOAR, 325] This is almost certainly the man named “Heyran” Walsh who witnessed the bond of Massachusetts Privateer Brigantine Neptune on 1 June 1781. [NRAR, 403]

Jacob Walters was born about 1751. [NOAR, 325] He was a resident of Baltimore, Maryland. He was commissioned to the Maryland Privateer Schooner Camden on 15 June 1779. [NRAR, 245] Walters was subsequently commissioned to the Pennsylvania Privateer Schooner Hartford on 9 October 1781, [NRAR, 326] listing his age as 30. [NOAR, 325]

George Wanton, probably of Rhode Island, was commissioned to the Rhode Island Privateer Schooner Barton in 1778. About August 1778 one prize was captured by the Barton, the schooner Hawke. [see Barton]

Benjamin Ward, Jr. was a resident of Salem, Massachusetts. He was associated with GEORGE WILLIAMS and JOHN LOVIET in privateering. Vessels associated with Ward were:

Date

State

Rig/Name/Guns/Crew

Commander

Co-owners

Security

Witness

12/20/80

MA

Brigantine Salem (12/20)

Henry Williams

George Williams et al

Henry Williams, George Williams, Benjamin Ward, Jr.

Henry Williams, Jr., Samuel Williams, Jr. [NRAR, 450]

Date

State

Rig/Name/Guns/Crew

Commander

Co-owners

Security

Witness

9/19/80

MA

Snow Diana (8/23)

William Herrick

John Loviet

William Herrick, Larkin Thorndike, Silas Meriam

Benjamin Ward, Jr., Jan Demont [NRAR, 267]

James Ward was in command of the [unknown] Privateer [unknown] Venus. About May 1781 he was captured by the Terror. [NOAR, 325] If this is the James Ward who witnessed the bond for Connecticut Privateer Schooners Suffolk and Humbird on 11 April 1778, then he was from Connecticut. [NRAR, 346, 467]

Joshua Ward was a resident of Salem, Massachusetts. He was associated with SIMON FORRESTER, NATHAN GOODALE, NATHANIEL SILSBEE, SAMUEL FLAGG, BARTHOLOMEW PUTNAM, JOSEPH SPRAGUE, and MILES WARD, Jr. in privateering. He was associated with the following privateers:

Date

State

Rig/Name/Guns/Crew

Commander

Co-owners

Security

Witness

12/15/75

MA

Schooner Dolphin

Richard Masury

Joseph Sprague, Henry Rust, Joshua Ward

Richard Masury, Bartholomew Putnam, Joseph Sprague, Joshua Ward, Jr.

Jonathan Webb, Jeremiah Shepard [Allen, MPR, 116]

7/8/77

MA

Sloop Black Snake (12/60)

William Carlton

Simon Forrester, Joshua Ward

William Carlton, Simon Forrester, Josiah Gilman

George Gains, Nicholas Gilman [NRAR, 240]

2/5/78

MA

Brigantine Montgomery (16/100)

Nathan Brown

George Williams, Joshua Ward, Jr.

Nathan Brown, George Williams, Joshua Ward, Jr.

Daniel Hopkins [Allen, MPR, 225]

5/23/80

MA

Ship Junius Brutus (20/120)

Johm Leach

Joshua Ward, Henry Rust et al

John Leach, Andrew Cabot, Henry Rust

Thomas Prince [Allen, MPR, 196]

4/16/81

MA

Brigantine Tyger (14/70)

Samuel Croel

Joshua Ward, Nathan Goodale

Samuel Croel, Joshua Ward, Edward Rolland

Nathaniel Silsbee, Titus Morgan [NRAR, 481]

4/9/82

MA

Ship Dispatch (10/60)

John Felt

Joshua Ward et al

John Felt, Daniel Bigelow, Josiah Spear

Samuel Goff, Sampson Rea [NRAR, 271]

4/11/82

MA

Ship Julius Caesar (14/40)

Jonathan Haraden

Joshua Ward et al

Jonathan Haraden, Joshua Ward, John Norris

Miles Greenwood, William Vans, Jr. [NRAR, 362]

7/27/82

MA

Schooner Salem (6/30)

Edward Stanly

Joshua Ward et al

Edward Stanly, Joshua Ward, Joseph Hathorne

G. Burchmore, Edward Ritters [NRAR, 451]

11/16/82

MA

Ship Friendship (6/20)

Gideon Henfield

Joshua Ward et al

Gideon Henfield, Joshua Ward, John Norris

G. Burchmore, Joseph Bartlett [NRAR, 307]

Date

State

Rig/Name/Guns/Crew

Commander

Co-owners

Security

Witness

10/22/78

MA

Brigantine Montgomery (16/100)

Thomas Benson

George Williams et al

Thomas Benson, Peter Lander, Joshua Ward

Thomas Downing, W. Prosser [Allen, MPR, 225]

5/24/80

MA

Brigantine Speedwell (6/16)

John Ingersoll

Joseph White et al

John Ingersoll, Robert Stone, Joshua Ward

Benjamin Moses, Jonathan Fay, Jr. [Allen, MPR, 283-284]

4/16/81

MA

Ship Marquis (16/80)

Richard Cowell

Samuel Flagg et al

Richard Cowell, Jeremiah Shepard, Joshua Ward

Edward Rolland, Titus Morgan [NRAR, 383]

3/4/83

MA

Ship Julius Caesar (14/100)

Thomas Benson

John Haraden et al

Thomas Benson, Joshua Ward, John Norris

Samuel Ward, Robert Leech [NRAR, 362]

Date

State

Rig/Name/Guns/Crew

Commander

Co-owners

Security

Witness

11/10/82

MA

Schooner Catchall (6/15)

Moses Chase

Miles Ward, Jr. et al

Moses Chase, Miles Ward, Jr., Joshua Goodale, Jr.

Hubbard Oliver, Joshua Ward [NRAR, 247]

Miles Ward. Jr. was a resident of Salem, Massachusetts. He was associated with JOSHUA GOODALE, JR., NATHAN GOODALE, and DAVID FELT in privateering. He was associated with the following privateer vessels:

Date

State

Rig/Name/Guns/Crew

Commander

Co-owners

Security

Witness

11/10/82

MA

Schooner Catchall (6/15)

Moses Chase

Miles Ward, Jr. et al

Moses Chase, Miles Ward, Je., Joshua Goodale, Jr.

Hubbard Oliver, Joshua Ward [NRAR, 247]

Date

State

Rig/Name/Guns/Crew

Commander

Co-owners

Security

Witness

12/12/81

MA

Schooner Dolphin (6/20)

William Gray

Nathan Goodale et al

William Gray, Nathan Goodale, Miles Ward, Jr.

Miles Ward, Nathan Ward [NRAR, 273]

7/10/82

MA

Schooner Dart (8/22)

Zenas Cook

Nathan Goodale et al

Zenas Cook, Miles Ward, Jr., Joshua Goodale, Jr.

William Presson, Joshua Ward [NRAR, 263]

7/30/82

MA

Schooner Cato (8/30)

James Pickman

David Felt et al

James Pickman, Miles Ward, Jr., David Felt

Joseph Wiggin, Joshua Goodale, Jr. [NRAR, 248]

12/9/82

MA

Schooner Dart (4/25)

Thomas Dexter

Nathan Goodale et al

Thomas Dexter, Miles Ward, Jr., Joshua Goodsale, Jr.

Thomas Burton, Nathan Ward [NRAR, 263]

Samuel Ward was a resident of Salem, Massachusetts. Vessels associated with Ward were:

Date

State

Rig/Name/Guns/Crew

Commander

Co-owners

Security

Witness

7/25/80

MA

Brigantine Cutter (10/40)

Samuel Croel

Samuel Page et al

Samuel Croel, John Page, Samuel Ward

Eben Wales, Caleb Davis [Allen, MPR, 107]

Simon Ray Ward was a Midshipman in the Connecticut Navy, serving from 1778 in the Connecticut Navy Ship Oliver Cromwell (Captain Timothy Parker). In August 1779 the Oliver Cromwell was captured by the British. [NOAR, 325]

Thomas Ward was a resident of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. On 19 December 1778 he was appointed as [First] Mate on the Maryland Privateer Brigantine Salisbury (Commander GEORGE BUCHANAN). On 18 August 1779 he was commissioned to the Pennsylvania Privateer Schooner Hope. [NOAR, 325]

By 1 November 1776 Elisha Warner, promoted from First Lieutenant, was in command of the Continental Navy Sloop  Fly. His orders from the Continental Marine Committee, dated 1 November, instructed Warner to take the Fly to Shrewsbury, New Jersey. He was to patrol in that vicinity, capturing as many transports and provision vessels as possible. Warner was to co-operate with Lieutenant John Baldwin of Continental Navy Schooner Wasp on this service. [NDAR, VII, 10-11] In early October 1777 Fly was part of the mixed Pennsylvania Navy-Continental Navy force defending the Delaware River, under command of Commodore Hazelwood of the Pennsylvania Navy. The Continental vessels were commanded by Captain Isaiah Robinson of the Continental Navy Brig Andrew Doria. Upon intelligence of a new British attack on Fort Mifflin on the night of 7/8 November, the Andrew Doria and the Fly moved from the anchorage at Red Bank (Fort Mercer) and guarded the mouth of the Schuykill River and Timber Creek. [NDAR, X, 434-435 and 435 notes. The vessels are identified by the editors, not in the letter.] On 14 November Robinson and all his captains attended a council-of-war held aboard the Pennsylvania Navy Galley Chatham. Warner signed the official recommendations. [NDAR, X, 488 and 489 notes] Following the fall of Forts Mifflin and Mercer, on the morning of 21 November 1777, according to previously made plans all the Continental vessels were set on fire: Continental Navy Brig Andrew Doria, Continental Navy Xebecs Champion and Repulse, and Continental Navy Sloops Surprize and Fly. [NDAR, X, 568-569 and notes] The officers and crews got safely up to Bordentown, New Jersey. [NDAR, X, 666 and notes] Warner sat on the court-martial of five deserters from Continental Navy Xebec Repulse, held aboard the ship Lion at Bordentown on 25 November. [NDAR, X, 598-601]

Holiman Warner was probably a kinsman of JOHN WARNER of Providence, Rhode Island. John Warner was commissioned to the Rhode Island Privateer Sloop Yankee Ranger on 19 July 1776. Holiman Warner was listed as Yankee Ranger’s First Lieutenant. [NDAR, V, 1142-1143 and 1143 note] Yankee Ranger sailed on a successful cruise on 3 August 1776 and returned to port before 13 September 1776. Three prizes were captured. [see JOHN WARNER] Nothing more is known of Holiman Warner.

John Warner was a resident of Providence, Rhode Island [NDAR, VI, 803-804] when he was commissioned to the Rhode Island Privateer Sloop Yankee Ranger on 19 July 1776. [NDAR, V, 1142-1143 and 1143 note] Yankee Ranger sailed on 3 August 1776 and soon met and sailed with Rhode Island Privateer Sloop Montgomery (Commander WILLIAM RHODES). The pair captured the brig Bee (Thomas Davis) on 21 August, the brigantine Sally (Jacob Snowball), and the brigantine John (John Ahier). Warner returned to port before 13 Septemnber. [NDAR, VI, 803-804, 820-821; VII, 165-168, 642-647, 706] Warner left the Yankee Ranger after this cruise.

Seth Warner was a native of Haddam, Connecticut. He was mentioned by Arnold, on 24 July, as being a desirable person to raise a company of seamen for service on the lakes, and to command a vessel. [ndar, 5, 1197-1198] He was among those requested from Connecticut by Schuyler on 1 August 1776. [NDAR, 6, 3-4] Warner accepted the assignment on 12 August 1776, conferred with Governor Trumbull of Connecticut, fixed pay rates for the seamen, and began raising the sailors. He was advanced money by the Connecticut Council of Safety for the recruiting. [NDAR, 6, 165-166 and 166 note] Warner had arrived at Fort Ticonderoga by 12 September 1776. [NDAR, 6, 791-792] "He rode out of the woods in an ox-cart, seated on his sea chest, his sextant in its wooden box on his knee." [Bird, Navies, 173] Warner was duly appointed to the Continental Army Galley Trumbull, also Colonel EDWARD WIGGLESWORTH's flagship, and sailed from Fort Ticonderoga on the evening of 26 September 1776. [NDAR, 6, 1006-1007, 1061-1062] First Lieutenant EBENEZER BASS and Master ZEPHAN FULLER served under Warner. [Warner was not the same person as the Lt. Col of the Green Mountain Boys] Warner joined the fleet on 30 September 1776. [Bird, Navies, 184] He was commissioned as commander of the Connecticut Privateer Sloop Sally on 12 October 1779 and captured a brig with a cargo of lumber. On 1 June 1780 Warner assisted in the capture of the brig Cornelia, which was brought into East Haddam, Connecticut. [Claghorn, 326]

Benjamin Warren was a resident of Salem, Massachusetts. He was commissioned to the Massachusetts Privateer Sloop Revenge on 14 September 1776, and to the Massachusetts Privateer Brigantine Hampden on 5 July 1777. [Howe, Beverly Privateers, 434] On 28 November 1777 he was commissioned to the Massachusetts Privateer Brigantine Lyon. [Allen, Massachusetts Privateers of the Revolution, 206] Warren’s next appearance is as the First Lieutenant aboard the Massachusetts Privateer Schooner Modesty (Commander WILLIAM CARLTON) on 6 August 1779. On 14 August 1780 he is on the crew list of the Massachusetts Privateer Ship Pilgrim (Commander JOSEPH ROBINSON) as Second Lieutenant. [Howe, Beverly Privateers, 414. On p. 434 the date is given as 14 August 1782, which is incorrect.]

Listed twice in Paullin [515].

William Waterman was born about 1759, a native of Cranston, Rhode Island. Waterman was commissioned as First Lieutenant of Marines on 4 March 1778 [Allen, ii, 712], at age 19, and assigned to the Continental Navy Ship Providence (Captain ABRAHAM WHIPPLE), then at Field's Point in the Providence River. Waterman filled a vacancy which had been empty since First Lieutenant STEPHEN EARL had been promoted Captain of Marines about September 1777. He reported aboard on 29 April 1778. [Smith, Marines, 476, gives this as his commission date.] Waterman had no long wait for action. On 30 April the Providence sailed to run the blockade of Narragansett Bay and proceed for France. She had a running fight with HM Frigate Lark and another blockader before getting out of the bay. Waterman participated in her subsequent cruises to France, her return to Boston, and the fabulous cruise of June-August 1779, during which eight prizes worth over $1,000,000 were captured. On 23 November 1779, Providence, with Continental Navy Ships Queen of France, Boston, and Ranger, sailed for Charleston, South Carolina, to assist in the defense of that port against an expected British attack. Waterman participated in the various engagements there, and was captured on 12 May 1780 when the town surrendered. Waterman was kept a prisoner for twenty months, at the end of which he was paroled and exchanged. He was next assigned to Continental Navy Ship Deane, entered on board on 29 October 1781. Waterman participated in the subsequent cruises of the Deane (late Hague) until her final arrival at Boston in May 1783. Waterman returned to Cranston, and married Esther Field on 13 July 1783. He was paid his final wages on 5 December 1783. He lived in Cranston until his death, 18 June 1821. [Smith, Marines, 476-477]

Thomas Waters was a resident of Baltimore, Maryland. He was commissioned to the Maryland Privateer Sloop Baltimore Hero on 16 September 1776. Waters sailed to the West Indies and was at St. Eustatius, Netherlands West Indies late in the year. He provoked a small political tempest there when he captured the brigantine May in Dutch territorial waters. Waters stayed in the West Indies through most of 1777. Returning to Baltimore in September 1777 he engaged and captured the Catherine [see Baltimore Hero] On 20 October 1777 Waters was commissioned to the Maryland Privateer Schooner Willaminta. [see Williaminta] Waters was commissioned to the Maryland Privateer Sloop Lark on 11 March 1780. [see Lark]

William Watkins was commissioned as a Captain in the Pennsylvania Navy on 27 May 1776 and assigned to the Pennsylvania Navy Boat Brimstone. [Jackson, 342] Watkins may have received his actual commission on 1 July 1776. [NOAR, 327] Watkins’ boat was one of five ordered to Lewes, Delaware on 11 August 1777 to strengthen the alarm post there. [Jackson, 114-115] As captain of the Brimstone Watkins participated in the Delaware River campaign of September-November 1777. Watkins was among those captains who salvaged articles from the destroyed HMS Augusta. [Jackson, 203] His boat was among those who escaped upriver on the morning of 20 November 1777. [xx] He was discharged on 17 August 1778. [Jackson, 342]

James Watson enlisted in Benedict Arnold's Massachusetts regiment for service on Lake Champlain about 3 May 1775. He served aboard the Continental Army Sloop Enterprise in the capacity of Lieutenant of Marines from 20 May 1775 until 1 July 1775, when Arnold's men were discharged. [NDAR, "Pay Roll of the Continental Sloop Enterprise," 1, 797 and note]

Henry Wattles was appointed as a Lieutenant on the Connecticut Privateer Schooner Young Cromwell under Commander WILLIAM REED. He apparently served aboard during Reed’s tenure (June-November 1781) and was prize master of the brig Peggy, taken 13 October 1781. [ Middlebrook, MCR, II, 248]

William Wattles (or Watters) was a resident of Norwich, Connecticut. [NRAR, 494] He was commissioned to the Connecticut Privateer Sloop Nancy on 5 October 1776. [NRAR, 398] During the winter of 1776-1777 or the spring of 1777 the Nancy made a trading voyage to Martinique, in the French West Indies. [NDAR, VIII, 320] During her outward passage she captured a brigantine, bound from Ireland to the West Indies, laden with salt and provisions. The prize was sent into Charleston, South Carolina. [NDAR, VIII, 403, 426-427, 455] Nancy returned to New Bedford, Massachusetts, then pushed on to Dartmouth, Massachusetts, arriving before 11 April 1777. [NDAR, VIII, 320, 426-427] On 5 June 1779 Wattles was commissioned to the Connecticut Privateer Schooner Young Cromwell. [NRAR, 494] In this schooner he captured the sloop Peggy, and with Connecticut Privateer Sloop Retaliation (Commander Azariah Whittlesey) the brigs Walpole and Endeavour. Young Cromwell was at sea in April 1780, sailing with Connecticut Privateer Schooner Bunker Hill (Commander Sanford Thompson). On 14 April  Bunker Hill and Young Cromwell fell in with the British Privateer Sloop Dolphin (David Hunter), and had a sharp fight with her. Wattles had three men wounded in the fight. On 12 May 1780 Young Cromwell captured a British sloop off Sandy Hook, but she was re-captured. [Middlebrook,Maritime Connecticut, II, 246-247] Wattles (as Watters) was commissioned to the Connecticut Privateer Sloop Phoenix on 1 May 1781. [NRAR, 414] Connecticut Privateer [unknown] Comet was at sea under Commander William Wattles in early 1782. He made a voyage to the West Indies. On the return voyage, in March 1782, he was captured by the British. He was exchanged. [Middlebrook, MCR, II, 66] On 3 July 1782 Wattles (again as Watters) was commissioned to the Connecticut Privateer Brigantine Thetis. [NRAR, 474] In the Thetis Wattles made a voyage to The Netherlands, arriving at The Texel on 18 October 1782. He made a safe return voyage. [Middlebrook, MCR, II, 65, 232]

William Waud [NDAR, IV, 239-240] (or Wand) [NRAR, 370] was commissioned as a Captain in the Maryland Navy and assigned to the Maryland Navy Schooner Tender Resolution  on 8 March 1776. [NDAR, IV, 239-240]  Waud served for a time but was apparently gone by the fall of 1776. He was a resident of Baltimore, Maryland when he was commissioned to the Maryland Privateer Brig Burling on 18 August 1778. [NRAR, 245] On 9 May 1780 he was commissioned to the Maryland Privateer Schooner Laurens. [NRAR, 370]

Joseph Webb was Second  Mate on the Connecticut Privateer Sloop Revenge (Commander JOSEPH CONKLING), commissioned 19 January 1777. [NOAR, 329] He was aboard the Connecticut Privateer Sloop Eagle (Commander WILLIAM LEEDS), commissioned 4 May 1782, as a Mate. One prize was captured on the following cruise. Eliza was sold at Havana, Cuba about August 1782. [Middlebrook, II, 80]

Lewis Webb was appointed as a [Second] Lieutenant of Marines in the Virginia Marines and assigned to the Virginia Navy Ship Cormorant (Captain JAMES MAXWELL), presumably about May 1782. [Stewart, 265; conclusion, see JOHN HARDYMAN] He served in Captain of Marines John Hardyman’s company and helped recruit Marines for the Cormorant, then lying at Hampton. [Stewart, 122] Webb was presumably in service until the Cormorant was ordered sold in October 1782. [Cross, 79; Stewart, 126]

David Weems was a resident of Baltimore, Maryland. Weems was also a member of Isaac Van Bibber & Co. (Isaac Van Bibber and David Weems of Baltimore, Maryland; and John Muir of Annapolis, Maryland). Vessels associated with Weems were:

Date

State

Rig/Name/Guns/Crew

Commander

Co-owners

Security

Witness

12/17/76

MD

Schooner General Lee (10/50)

James Phillips

David Weems

James Phillips, David Weems

[NRAR, 311]

8/3/78

MD

Sloop Washington (14/20)

John Burrows

Isaac Van Bibber & Co.

John Burrows, John Muir

[NRAR, 489]

2/4/79

MD

Sloop Little Sam (12/12)

William Weems

Richard Curson, David Weems, Samuel Chew

William Weems, John Muir

[NRAR, 375]

Hezekiah Welch was born in 1734. He was commissioned on 19 October 1776 as a Lieutenant in the Continental Navy. Welch served on the Continental Navy Ship Boston (Captain SAMUEL TUCKER) on 15 February 1778. When the 16-gun Martha was captured, he was assigned as prizemaster. Welch next went to the Continental Navy Ship Alliance (Captain JOHN BARRY). [NOAR, 331] Welch was aboard the ship when it sailed from New London on 4 August 1782. During the cruise nine prizes were captured, including four very valuable ones. Alliance put into L'Orient, France on 18 October 1782. Welch managed to avoid being involved in the "officer's mutiny" that ocurred there. [Smith, Marines in the Revolution, 286-287] Welch was aboard the Alliance when she sailed for America on 9 December 1782, but was listed as a “pro tem” lieutenant. She arrived at Martinique on 9 January 1783. She soon sailed for Havana, stopping at St. Eustatius and Cap Francois, and arriving at Havana on 31 January. Alliance and Continental Navy Ship Duc de Lauzun (Captain JOHN GREEN) sailed from Havana on 6 March 1783. Welch was aboard Alliance during the Battle of the Florida Straits on 10 March 1783. Alliance arrived in Rhode Island on 20 March. Since the end of the war was very near, most of her crew was discharged. It is possible that Welch was retained aboard the Alliance however. If so, he was aboard the ship when she sailed for Virginia in late June. When Alliance sailed for Europe from Virginia she began leaking and put into Philadelphia in late August. An examination showed she needed extensive repair and her crew was ordered to be discharged. Presumably this included Welch, if he was still aboard. [Numerous citations for the ship] Welch died in 1797. [NOAR, 331]

William Welch was Master on the Massachusetts Privateer Schooner Freedom (Commander JAMES COLVEN), commissioned on 5 May 1777. [NDAR, VIII, 914-915]

Charles Wells was a resident of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania when he was commissioned to the Maryland Privateer Boat Rebecca and Sally (Commander Thomas Russell) as First Lieutenant on 24 June 1776. Rebecca and Sally may have been the first privateer commissioned in Maryland in the war. [NDAR, V, 715-716]  Wells was commissioned as commander of the Maryland Privateer Brig Bacchus on 8 June 1778. She made a voyage to France and was there in July 1778. Wells was again commissioned, on 8 June 1779, to the same vessel, although her name was now given as the Bantrus. In early 1780 Wells and Bacchus were captured by the British and taken in to Antigua. [see Bacchus] On 22 December 1781 Wells was commissioned to the Pennsylvania Privateer Ship Nonsuch. [NRAR, 407]

Joshua Wentworth was a merchant of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. He served as the Portsmouth agent for the Continental Army Squadron organized by George Washington to operate around Boston. On 21 March 1777 Wentworth was notified by the Continental Congress of the appointment of commissioners to settle his accounts. [NRAR, 40] Wentworth was associated with several privateers operating out of Portsmouth.

Date

State

Rig/Name/Guns/Crew

Commander

Co-owners

Security

Witness

5/17/77

NH

McClary

Thomas Dalling

JACOB TREADWELL JOHN PENHALLOW; JOSEPH SIMES

[NRAR, 381]

Date

State

Rig/Name/Guns/Crew

Commander

Co-owners

Security

Witness

4/13/81

MA

Royal Louis

Nathan Nichols

Nichols, JAMES HACKETT; JOSIAH GILMAN, Jr.[NRAR, 449]

[NRAR, 449]

Date

State

Rig/Name/Guns/Crew

Commander

Co-owners

Security

Witness

6/28/82

MA

Iris

Stephen Clay

BENJAMIN WEST ; JOHN HAVEN

[NRAR, 353]

John Wereat was a merchant of Savannah, Georgia. He was appointed by the Marine Committee on 14 November 1776 as the Continental Agent for Georgia. Wereat received this notice when the Continental Navy Schooner Georgia Packet (Lieutenant ISAAC BUCK) arrived with a cargo in December 1776.

Nathaniel West was, presumably, a resident of Beverly, Massachusetts. He was appointed as Second Lieutenant aboard the Massachusetts Privateer Brigantine Terrible Creature (Commander ROBERT RICHARDSON) on 10 March 1778. [Howe, Beverly Privateers, 419, 426]

Nicholas Westcot, possibly of Baltimore, Maryland, was aboard the Maryland Privateer Sloop Bennington (Commander ROBERT CRAIGE) as First Mate on 18 August 1779. [see Bennington]

Wright Westcott [Stewart, 265] (Wescott) [NOAR, 332] was commissioned on 18 June 1776 to command the Virginia Navy Sloop Scorpion, on the Potomac River. On 7 September 1776 he was ordered to Portsmouth, and then to join Commodore BOUCHER in Chesapeake Bay. On 11 September he was ordered to transport troops to New York. [NOAR, 332] He was aboard the Scorpion in December 1776. [Stewart, 265] Westcott later commanded the Virginia Navy Galley Norfolk Revenge. On 28 May 1778 the Norfolk Revenge was sunk in Nansemond River with a loss of prisoners, including Lieutenant EDWARD MORTON. [Stewart, 53] Westcott and the members of the crew who escaped were ordered by the Virginia Navy Board to proceed to Jamestown for reassignment. [Stewart, 53] After the Norfolk Revenge was sunk Westcott transferred to the Virginia Navy Galley Henry. He was one of the retained officers of the Navy. He was the guardian and near relative of Stephen Wright, who started with him to Martinique. They were captured by HMS Cereberus and put in prison [Stewart, 265] Westcott died 1 February 1784. [Stewart, 266]

Richard Whellen [Whellon, Weldon, Welden] was a resident of Edgartown, Massachusetts. He was commissioned as a Captain in the Massachusetts Navy on 22 June 1776 and assigned to the Massachusetts Navy Brigantine Rising Empire. [NOAR, 333] He left the Massachusetts Navy about 12 September 1776. [NDAR, VI] Whellon was commissioned to the Rhode Island Privateer Broome on 17 September 1776. [Sheffield, 59] He captured five prizes in the Broome, two of which were the brig General Wolfe and the ship Capel. [see Broome] Whellon was commissioned to the Massachusetts Privateer Brigantine Venus on 9 August 1779, and to the Massachusetts Privateer Ship General Washington on 24 April 1780. In both cases he listed his address as Boston, Massachusetts. [qv]

Abraham Whipple was appointed as a “commander” in the Rhode Island Navy on 12 June 1775, with the “rank and power of commodore of both vessels” authorized for the Rhode Island Navy. He was assigned to the Rhode Island Navy Sloop Katy. [NDAR, I, 664-665] He was presumably a relative of Captain CHRISTOPHER WHIPPLE.

Christopher Whipple (presumably a relative of ABRAHAM WHIPPLE) was appointed as a “commander” in the Rhode Island Navy on 12 June 1775 and assigned to the Rhode Island Navy Sloop Washington, the smaller of two vessels authorized on the same day. [NDAR, I, 664-665] He declined the appointment and was replaced by JOHN GRIMES on 28 June 1775. [NDAR, I, 769]

Jabez Whipple was commissioned to the Rhode Island Privateer Sloop Independence on 24 July 1776. [Sheffield, 59]

Henry White was a native of Salem, Massachusetts. He was commissioned to the Massachusetts Privateer Brigantine Ranger on 21 May 1779. [see Ranger] He was commissioned to the Massachusetts Privateer Sloop Banter (Bontram) on 25 May 1782. White captured or re-captured three prizes in the sloop. Banter was captured in July 1782 in the Strait of Belle Isle and apparently taken in to the Orkney Islands. [see Banter]

Jacob White was presumably from Connecticut. He was commissioned as First Lieutenant of Marines (16 October 1776) aboard the Continental Navy Ship Trumbull (Captain DUDLEY SALTONSTALL), launched at Portland, Connecticut on 5 September 1776. White's superior officer was Captain of Marines GILBERT SALTONSTALL. Trumbull proved unable to get out of the Connecticut River. White was listed on one of her muster rolls, sometime in 1777, as a Navy Third Lieutenant. In September 1780, when the brig Little William was captured, White was also listed as a naval lieutenant. [Snith, Marines, 478]

Joseph White was aboard the Virginia Navy Brig Liberty (Captain Thomas Herbert) as her “Master Pilot” in late 1777. He was made prizemaster of a vessel captured by the Liberty and brought her safely into Little York, Virginia. [Stewart, 49] In 1780 White went in a privateer bound to St. Eustatius, recently conquered by the British. The British had kept the Dutch colors flying, thus luring inbound shipping to the island. White’s privateer was thus captured. He died in prison at St. Eustatius. [Stewart, 266]

Major Samuel White was a resident of Boston, Massachusetts. He was associated in privateering with JOHN GRUSH of Marblehead, Massachusetts, and, possibly, with JAMES MUGFORD of Marblehead. Vessels associated with White were:

Date

State

Rig/Name/Guns/Crew

Commander

Co-owners

Security

Witness

1/1/78

MA

Brig Bellona (14/75)

Nicholas Ogelbe

Samuel White, John Grush

Nicholas Ogelbe, Samuel White, John Grush

[Allen, MPR, 79]

Azariah Whittlesay was a resident of Saybrook in 1776 when he was appointed, on 31 July 1776, by the Governor and Council of Safety of Connecticut as Master on the Connecticut Navy Ship Oliver Cromwell. [NDAR, 5, 1303-1304 and note] Whittlesay was one of the men recommended by Brigadier General Benedict Arnold to raise a company of sailors in Connecticut and command a galley on Lake Champlain (24 July 1776). [NDAR, 5, 1197-1198] He was succeeded by LEVI YOUNG. He was Commander of the Connecticut Privateer Brig Fanny, at Martinique on 10 March 1777. [NDAR, 8, 81] Fanny was reported to have taken three prizes by 12 April 1777. [NDAR, 8, 326] [953, 977, 1021; 9, 173]

Lambert Wickes was from Kent County, Maryland. He was aboard Continental Navy Ship Reprisal by April 1776, as Captain. He was lost at sea when the Reprisal foundered about 1 October 1777. [Clark, lambert Wickes, 375]

Richard Wickes was from Kent County, Maryland. He was aboard Continental Navy Ship Reprisal by April 1776, as Third Lieutenant. Wickes was killed in action on 29 June 1776. [Clark, lambert Wickes, 375]

Thomas Wickham was a resident of New London County, Connecticut. He was commissioned to the Connecticut Privateer Sloop Hampton Packet on 23 October 1781, being one of the co-owners of the privateer. Wickham captured the unknown two-masted boat (or schooner) on 23 December 1781 and the  schooner Peggy on 2 March 1783. [Middlebrook, Maritime Connecticut During The Revolution, II, 105-106; NRAR, 323]

John Wilcocks [Wilcox] was a merchant of Philadelphia, frequently associated with NICHOLAS LOW. He was associated with the following privateers:

Date

State

Rig/Name/Guns/Crew

Commander

Co-owners

Security

Witness

5/21/79

PA

Brigantine Active (14/40)

Charles Alexander

John Wilcocks & Co.

John Wilcocks, Charles Alexander

J. Bullock, William Brown [NRAR, 218]

4/26/79

PA

Schooner Liberty (6/15)

Henry Hawkins

Henry Hawkins, John Wilcocks

James Trimble [NRAR, 372]

8/28/79

PA

Brigantine Achilles (12/30)

George Thomason [Thomson]

Samuel & Thomas Morris

Samuel C. Morris

James Trimble [NRAR, 217]

12/3/79

PA

Sloop Friendship (8/20)

John Ball

John Ball, John Wilcocks

Samuel Wilcox, Samuel Clarkson [NRAR, 305]

9/6/80

PA

Brigantine Friendship (12/40)

John Ball

George Meade & Co, Richard Low, John & Robert Harper

Nicholas Low, John Ball

James Trimble [NRAR, 306]

11/11/80

PA

Brigantine Fayette (18/60)

Samuel Davison

George Meade, Thomas Fitzsimons

John Wilcocks, George Meade

James Trimble, Samuel Davison [NRAR, 292]

1/6/81

PA

Brigantine Ajax (8/23)

John Harr

John Harr, John Wilocks

James Trimble [NRAR, 223]

6/28/81

PA

Ship Hope (16/50)

William Hayman

George Meade, Thomas Fitzsimons

Thomas Fitzsimons, William Hayman

James Trimble [NRAR, 342]

8/11/81

PA

Brigantine Financier (6/15)

John Harr

Thomas Fitzsimons & Co, Abraham Markoe

John Wilcocks, John Harr

James Trimble [NRAR, 293]

9/3/81

PA

Schooner Kitty Meade (7/15)

William Paul

William Paul, John Wilcocks

James Trimble [NRAR, 366]

11/28/81

PA

Ship Hyder Ally (12/40)

Henry Hawkins

John Wright Stanly, Nicholas Low

William Allibone, Henry Hawkins

James Trimble [NRAR, 348]

6/20/82

VA

Schooner Tamany (12/20)

Thomas Hooke

Wilcox, Low & Co.

Thomas Hooke, James Heron

Archibald Blair [NRAR, 472]

Date

State

Rig/Name/Guns/Crew

Commander

Co-owners

Security

Witness

7/10/80

PA

Brig Fayette (14/60)

Robert Shewell

Meade, Fitsimons & Co

John Wilcocks, Robert Shewell

James Trimble [NRAR, 291]

John Wilcot (Wilcott) was enlisted by Captain FREDERICK CHAPPEL on 25 August 1776 for service on the lakes as a Seaman. [NDAR, 6, 985-986] He was promoted during the winter of 1776-1777. When Captain Chappel was ordered to raise a new company of sailors for the lakes, on 15 January 1777, he apparently signed on Wilcot as First Lieutenant. [NDAR, 7, 961-962] Wilcot was First Lieutenant aboard the Continental Army Lake Champlain Squadron Galley Gates, at Fort Ticonderoga on 26 June 1776. [NDAR, 9, 174] When the British attack began on Fort Ticonderoga, Gates escorted the fleeing convoy to Skenesborough, where Gates was burned and blown up to prevent capture on 6 July 1776. [NDAR, 9, 225]

Enoch (or Hope) Willett was born in 1757 [NOAR, 338] and was a resident of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was commissioned to the Pennsylvania Privateer Boat (or Galley) Black Joke [NRAR, 239] (or Black Joak) [Middlebrook, Maritime Connecticut During The Revolution, II, 62] on 30 July 1781. [NRAR, 239] In August 1781 Black Joke, operating in Long Island Sound, captured the “pettiaugre” Betsey (John Mathews) and the sloop Polly (William Jones) and sent them in to port in Connecticut. [Middlebrook, Maritime Connecticut During The Revolution, II, 62]. He died in 1804. [NOAR, 338]

Edward Williams served as a Lieutenant aboard the Connecticut Privateer Sloop America (Commander ASA PALMER) in May of 1777. Under Palmer America captured five British prizes in the summer of 1777. On 18 July 1777 America was captured by the British and taken into Newport, Rhode Island. Williams was sent to the prison ship, where he died in August 1777.[Middlebrook, Maritime Connecticut During The Revolution, II, 48-49; see America]

George Williams was a resident of Salem, Massachusetts. He was associated with the following privateers: [see also GEORGE WILLIAMS, JR.]

Date

State

Rig/Name/Guns/Crew

Commander

Co-owners

Security

Witness

12/20/80

MA

Brigantine Salem (12/20)

Henry Williams

George Williams et al

Henry Williams, George Williams, Benjamin Ward, Jr.

Henry Williams, Jr., Samuel Williams, Jr. [NRAR, 450]

7/nd/81

MA

Sloop Hazard (4/25)

Nathaniel Coit Webb

George Williams et al

Nathaniel Coit Webb, George Williams, Archelaus Putnam

Thomas Barrett, Jonathan Smith [NRAR, 331]

8/13/81

MA

Ship Marquis de La Fayette (16/100)

Ebenezer Reed

George Williams et al

Ebenezer Reed, George Williams, Joshua Dosge

Belcher Noyes, Jr., Williams Frost [NRAR, 384]

11/23/81

MA

Brigantine Comet (6/15)

Samuel Waters

George Williams et al

Samuel Waters, George Williams, Archelaus Putnam

Nathan Pierce, John McMillan [NRAR, 255]

3/5/82

MA

Sloop Hazard (4/25)

Edward Smith, Jr.

George Williams et al

Edward Smith, Jr., George Williams, Archelaus Putnam

Arthur Jeffry, John Jeffry [NRAR, 331]

4/15/82

MA

Ship Marquis de La Fayette (16/100)

John Buffinton

George Williams et al

John Buffinton, George Williams, Samuel Blanchard

Benjamin Moses, William West, Jr. [NRAR, 385]

8/22/82

MA

Sloop Hazard (6/25)

Hugh Helme

George Williams et al

Hugh Helme, George Williams, Archelaus Putnam

Samuel Carlton, Samuel Williams, Jr. [NRAR, 331]

Date

State

Rig/Name/Guns/Crew

Commander

Co-owners

Security

Witness

7/12/81

MA

Brigantine Romulus (14/25)

Joseph Waters

Joshua Grafton et al

Joseph Waters, George Williams, Joseph Grafton

Thomas Appleton, Barent Bleecker [NRAR, 447]

4/5/82

MA

Sloop Rainbow (10/40)

Nathaniel Coit Webb

Nathaniel Silsbee et al

Nathaniel Coit Webb, George Williams, Nathaniel Silsbee

Samuel West, Samuel Williams, Jr. [NRAR, 426]

Date

State

Rig/Name/Guns/Crew

Commander

Co-owners

Security

Witness

10/9/80

MA

Brigantine Union (8/20)

Jonathan Gardner III

Jonathan Gardner, Jr. et al

Jonathan Gardner III, Jonathan Gardner, Jr., Samuel Ward

George Williams, George Dodge, Jr. [NRAR, 482]

George Williams Jr. was a resident of Salem, Massachusetts. He was appointed commander of the Massachusetts Privateer Brigantine Rambler on 5 July 1779. [NOAR, 338] His next privateer command was the Massachusetts Privateer Brigantine Aurora, on 27 December 1781.  Williams was at least a part-owner of the Aurora. [NRAR, 231] Williams' final privateer command was the Massachusetts Privateer Brig Experiment, commissioned 7 December 1782. [NRAR, 286]

James Williams was a resident of Annapolis, Maryland. He was associated in privateering with WILLIAM HAMMOND, THOMAS RUSSELL, WILLIAM POLLARD (of Philadelphia), JOSEPH WILLIAMS, RICHARD BARNABY, DAVID ROBINSON, WILLIAM AVERY and STATIA HEPBURN. Vessels associated with Williams were:

Date

State

Rig/Name/Guns/Crew

Commander

Co-owners

Security

Witness

7/7/77

MD

Schooner Beggar’s Benison (4/6)

Thomas Steel

James Williams, William Hammond, Thomas Russell, Statia Hepburn

Thomas Steel, James Williams

[NRAR, 233]

10/20/77

MD

Schooner Adventure (0/7)

Thomas Robinson

James Williams, Joseph Williams, Richard Barnaby, David Robinson, William Avery

Thomas Robinson, James Williams

[NRAR, 221]

Date

State

Rig/Name/Guns/Crew

Commander

Co-owners

Security

Witness

11/17/78

MD

Brig Betsey (2/12)

Benjamin Bradhurst

William Pollard (et al of Baltimore)

Benjamin Bradhurst, James Williams

[NRAR, 235]

Date

State

Rig/Name/Guns/Crew

Commander

Co-owners

Security

Witness

10/13/77

MA

Brig Active (12/70)

John Foster Williams

Jacob Williams, Nehemiah Somes, Charles Sigourney, James Foster Candy

John Foster Williams, Jacob Williams, Nehemiah Somes

[Allen, MPR, 65, 66]

John Williams was aboard the Massachusetts Privateer Schooner Buckram (Commander JOHN CROSS) as Master on 21 August 1777. [NRAR, 243; Allen, MPR, 89; NDAR, X, 347-349] Buckram sailed about mid-September. [Allen, MPR, 89] On 16 September 1777 she was captured by HM Frigate Diamond. [NDAR,  IX, 931 and note] She was sent to Halifax on 22 September 1777. [NDAR, IX, 950] Williams went to Halifax jail on 25 October 1777. [NDAR, X, 347-349]

John Foster Williams of Boston, Massachusetts was commissioned in 1776 as the commander of the Massachusetts Navy Sloop Republic. On 17 July 1777 he was appointed to the [Massachusetts Navy] Brigantine Wilkes. [NOAR, 339] On 13 October 1777 he was commissioned to the Massachusetts Privateer Brig or Brigantine Active [Allen, Massachusetts Privateers of the Revolution, 65] On 8 November 1777 he and his owners gave bond not to enlist certain sailors. [Allen, Massachusetts Privateers of the Revolution, 66] Active was captured on 18 November 1777 by HM Frigate Mermaid (Captain James Hawker), some  228 miles south of Cape Sambro, Nova Scotia (39°52'N). [NDAR, X, 528] Proposals for Williams’s exchange were being made by 23 February 1778. [NDAR. XI, 406 and note] Williams next commanded the Massachusetts Navy Ship Protector. In a hard-fought engagement with the British [privateer] vessel Admiral Duff on 9 June 1780, Williams sunk his opponent. Protector was captured by the British in May 1781. Williams was taken to New York. [NOAR, 339] On 4 January 1783 he was commissioned to the Massachusetts Privateer Ship Alexander. [NRAR, 223]

Furnishes John Paul Jones with account of the sales of the prize brig Mary. [NRAR, 66]

Joseph Williams was a resident of Norwich, Connecticut. He was commissioned to the Connecticut Privateer Sloop Lydia on 10 November 1777, [NRAR, 379] of which vessel he was part-owner. As an owner he was associated with the following vessels:

Date

State

Rig/Name/Guns/Crew

Commander

Co-owners

Security

Witness

11/10/77

CT

Sloop Lydia (4/15)

Joseph Williams

Joseph Williams & Co.

Joseph Williams, Jacob De Witt, John Alden

John Trumbull, Ephraim Carpenter [NRAR, 379]

6/5/79

CT

Schooner Young Cromwell (10/45)

William Watters [Wattles]

Joseph Williams et al

William Watters [Wattles], William Coit, Joseph Williams

Jonathan Huntington, William Wattles [NRAR, 494; Middlebrook, II, 246]

2/18/80

CT

Ship Recovery (16/120)

Samuel Smedley

Joseph Williams & Co.

Samuel Smedley, John Grenell, Joseph Williams

Gurdon Saltonstall, David Manwaring [NRAR, 435]

6/11/81

CT

Brigantine Favourite (14/75)

Jonathan Buddington

Joseph Williams & Co.

Jonathan Buddington, Normand Morison, Aaron Olmsted

Ralph Pomeroy, Isaac Peet [NRAR, 291]

7/16/81

CT

Schooner Young Cromwell (10/45)

William Reed

Joseph Williams & Co.

William Reed, William Coit, Jr., John Alden

Hooker St. John, Ebenezer Mead [NRAR, 495; Middlebrook, II, 246]

11/6/81

CT

Schooner Young Cromwell (12/45)

John Cook

Joseph Williams & Co.

John Cook, Seth Harding, Elisha Coit

John Porter, Isaac Fitch [NRAR, 495; Middlebrook, II, 246]

4/10/82

CT

Brigantine Pilgrim (16/90)

Humphrey Crary

Joseph Williams & Co.

Humphrey Crary, William Torrey, John Alden

Eliphalet Dyer, Nathaniel Wales [NRAR, 415]

4/26/82

CT

Schooner Turn of Times (4/25)

William Reed

Joseph Williams & Co.

William Reed, Joshua Huntington, Joseph Williams

Stephen Colver, Jabez Perkins [NRAR, 479]

6/24/82

CT

Boat Vermont (1/12)

George Spooner

Joseph Williams & Co.

George Spooner, Joseph Williams, John Porter

John Trumbull, David Blackman [NRAR, 486]

9/30/82

CT

Sloop Prudence (10/45)

Timothy Parker

Joseph Williams & Co.

Timothy Parker, Joseph Williams, Benjamin Ellis

David Trumbull, William Little, Jr. [NRAR, 423]

Date

State

Rig/Name/Guns/Crew

Commander

Co-owners

Security

Witness

9/4/78

CT

Brig Nancy (4/15)

Alpheus Davidson

Sarph Williams & Co.

Alpheus Davidson, Joseph Howland, Joseph Williams

Jonathan Huntington, Andrew Craige [NRAR, 399]

9/4/79

CT

Brigantine Defiance (12/70)

Thomas King

Howland & Coit

Thomas King, Joseph Howland, Joseph Williams

Jonathan Huntington, Alpheus Billings [NRAR, 264]

Joseph Williams was a resident of Annapolis, Maryland. He was associated with the following vessels:

Date

State

Rig/Name/Guns/Crew

Commander

Co-owners

Security

Witness

10/19/77

MD

Schooner Swift (2/7)

William Kennedy

Joseph and James Williams, Thomas Londunny, William Neel

William Kennedy, James Williams

Thomas Johnson, Jr. [NRAR, 470]

10/20/77

MD

Schooner Adventure (3/7)

Thomas Robinson

James Williams, Joseph Williams, Richard Barnaby, David Robinson, William Avery

Thomas Robinson, James Williams

Thomas Johnson, Jr. [NRAR, 221]

3/28/78

MD

Brig Delaware (10/30)

John Angus

Joseph Williams et al

John Angus, Joseph Williams

Thomas Johnson, Jr. [NRAR, 265]

10/19/80

MD

Schooner Lady Lee (4/14)

Robert Dashiell

Joseph Williams, Isaac Harris, John Muir

Robert Dashiell, John Muir

Thomas Johnson, Jr. [NRAR, 367]

Date

State

Rig/Name/Guns/Crew

Commander

Co-owners

Security

Witness

5/8/78

MD

Boat Lark( 4/6)

Joseph Dority

Samuel and Robert Purviance et al

Joseph Dority, Joseph Williams

Thomas Johnson, Jr. [NRAR, 369]

9/14/78

MD

Sloop Abingdon (12/14)

James Handy

Samuel and Robert Purviance & Co.

James Handy, Joseph Williams

Thomas Johnson, Jr. [NRAR, 217]

7/7/81

MD

Schooner Dragon (6/25)

James Handy

Hugh Young & Co.

James Handy, Joseph Williams

William Hyde [NRAR, 277]

7/7/81

MD

Schooner Maria (5/12)

Peter Milhaut

James Durand & Co.

Peter Milhaut, Joseph Williams

William Hyde [NRAR, 383]

Joshua Williams was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Pennsylvania Navy on 1 February 1776 and assigned to the Pennsylvania Navy Galley Camden. [NOAR, 339]

Lemuel Williams was a resident of Bedford in Dartmouth, Massachusetts. He was associated with the following vessels:

Date

State

Rig/Name/Guns/Crew

Commander

Co-owners

Security

Witness

8/27/82

MA

Schooner Rover (6/30)

Levi Young

Lemuel Williams et al

Levi Young, Leonard Jarvis, Joseph Russell

Robert Elliot [NRAR, 448]

3/19/83

MA

Boat Spitfire (6/20)

Samuel Hawley

Lemuel Williams

Samuel Hawley, Ebenezer White, Moses Bradley

John Hay, Timothy Tupte [NRAR, 462]

Date

State

Rig/Name/Guns/Crew

Commander

Co-owners

Security

Witness

4/14/81

MA

Brigantine Hound (6/20)

Nathaniel Hathaway

Samuel Emery et al

Nathaniel Hathaway, Daniel Epes, Lemuel Williams

James Howland, William Crocker [NRAR, 345]

Moses Williams was a resident of Wethersfield, Connecticut. He was associated with the following vessels:

Date

State

Rig/Name/Guns/Crew

Commander

Co-owners

Security

Witness

1/14/78

CT

Sloop Hero (6/40)

Jacob Riley

Jacob Riley, Moses Williams, Ephraim Williams

Jacob Riley, Moses Williams, Ephraim Williams

Jedidiah Stronge, Ezekiel Williams [NRAR, 333]

Samuel Williams was a resident of Salem, Massachusetts. He was associated with the following privateers:

Date

State

Rig/Name/Guns/Crew

Commander

Co-owners

Security

Witness

4/12/82

MA

Brigantine Fox (12/60)

John Donaldson

Samuel Williams et al

John Donaldson, Samuel Williams, Samuel Ward

Thomas Russell, Samuel Deming [NRAR, 302]

7/23/82

MA

Schooner Viper (2/25)

Benjamin Hilton

Samuel Williams et al

Benjamin Hilton, Henry Williams, Samuel Williams

James Carvel, Henry Williams [NRAR, 487]

9/30/82

MA

Schooner Viper (8/25)

Thomas Coburn

Samuel Williams et al

Thomas Coburn, Samuel Williams, Robert Stone

Benjamin Ward, John Jenks [NRAR, 487]

11/20/82

MA

Schooner Hawke (4/30)

Jacob Wilds

Samuel Williams et al

Jacob Wilds, Robert Foster, Joseph Churchill

Benjamin Dunham, David Churchill [NRAR, 330]

Date

State

Rig/Name/Guns/Crew

Commander

Co-owners

Security

Witness

8/29/81

MA

Brigantine Fox (10/50)

Jonathan Neall

Jonathan Peele et al

Jonathan Neall, Samuel Williams, Jonathan Peele

Joseph Cloness, Robert Peele [NRAR, 301]

11/20/82

MA

Brigantine Fox (8/30)

William Gray

Joseph Sprague et al

William Gray, Joseph Sprague, Samuel Williams

Samuel Williams, Samuel Barton [NRAR, 303]

Date

State

Rig/Name/Guns/Crew

Commander

Co-owners

Security

Witness

12/15/80

MA

Ship Thomas (10/20)

Francis Boardman

Bartholomew Putnam et al

Francis Boardman, Bartholomew Putnam, Jonathan Ingersoll

John Turner, Samuel Williams [NRAR, 474]

12/20/80

MA

Brigantine Salem (12/20)

Henry Williams

George Williams et al

Henry Williams, George Williams, Benjamin Ward, Jr.

Henry Williams. Jr., Samuel Williams, Jr. [NRAR, 450]

4/14/81

MA

Ship Pilgrim (18/150)

Joseph Robinson

John and Andrew Cabot

Joseph Robinson, Andrew Cabot, Zachariah Burchmore

Samuel Williams, W. Pickman [NRAR, 415]

11/8/81

MA

Ship Pilgrim (20/130)

Joseph Robinson

John Cabot et al

Joseph Robinson, John Cabot, Andrew Cabot

Samuel Williams, M. Lafitte [NRAR, 415]

4/5/82

MA

Sloop Rainbow (10/40)

Nathaniel Coit Webb

Nathaniel Silsbee et al

Nathaniel Coit Webb, George Williams, Nathaniel Silsbee

Samuel West, Samuel Williams, Jr. [NRAR, 426]

8/22/82

MA

Sloop Hazard (6/25)

Hugh Helme

George Williams et al

Hugh Helme, George Williams, Archelaus Putnam

Samuel Carlton, Samuel Williams, Jr. [NRAR, 331]

Samuel Williams was born about 1725 [NOAR, 339] and was a resident of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. [NRAR, 416] However, he may have been a native of Salem, Massachusetts. [NOAR, 339] He was commissioned to the Pennsylvania (or Massachusetts) Privateer Schooner Polly on 18 June 1779, [NOAR, 339] and to the Pennsylvania Privateer Brigantine Polly on 6 November 1779. [NRAR, 416] These two were probably the same vessel. He was commissioned to the Pennsylvania Privateer Brigantine Tristram Shandy on 4 October 1781. [NRAR, 477]. At this time he listed his age as fifty-six. Williams was 5 feet 8 inches tall, with brown hair and a fresh complexion. [NOAR, 339]

This Samuel Williams was born about 1742 [NOAR, 339] and was a resident of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. [NRAR, 356] He was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Pennsylvania Navy in 1776. On 2 December 1776 he was appointed as an aide to George Washington. [NOAR, 339] On 1 July 1782 he was commissioned to the Pennsylvania Privateer Schooner James. [NRAR, 356] At this time he was described as 5 feet 8 inches tall, with brown hair and a fresh complexion, and listed his age as 40. [NOAR, 339]

Sarph Williams was a resident of Norwich, Connecticut. He was associated with the following privateers:

Date

State

Rig/Name/Guns/Crew

Commander

Co-owners

Security

Witness

9/4/78

CT

Brig Nancy (4/15)

Alpheus Davison

Sarph Williams & Co.

Alpheus Davison, Joseph Howland, Joseph Williams

Jonathan Huntington, Andrew Craige [NRAR, 399]

Thomas Williams [Williamson] was, perhaps, a resident of Prince George’s County, Maryland. He was commissioned to the Maryland Privateer Brig Willing Lass on 3 May 1780. [NRAR, 493] Williams was re-commissioned to the Willing Lass on 1 March 1781. [NOAR, 339]

Thomas Williams was a resident of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was aboard the Pennsylvania Privateer Brigantine Polly (Commander ALEXANDER CAIN) as First Mate on 19 July 1781. [NRAR, 417]

William Williams was a resident of Boston, Massachusetts. He commanded the Massachusetts Privateer [unknown] Montgomery and was captured by the British. On 8 August 1777 he was committed to Fortun Prison. Williams later escaped. He was commissioned to the Massachusetts Privateer Brigantine Gerard on 23 March 1779. He next commanded the Massachusetts Privateer Nantz. Before July 1779 he was captured by the British vessel Shaftsbury. He was later exchanged, and, on 9 May 1780 Williams was commissioned to the Massachusetts Privateer Ship Viper. [NOAR, 340] She sailed from Boston on 22 October 1780. [Maclay, 208] In early November 1780 [Maclay, 208. Claghorn, 340, gives the date of the ensuing battle as 22 October 1780] she was off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina in the early morning. A sail was seen bearing down. When Williams turned to chase, the stranger (British New York Privateer Hetty) took flight. About 1200 the two vessels were within pistol shot and Williams showed his colors and delivered a broadside. A "spirited" duel began which lasted for thirty minutes, when the British drew ahead. Williams "ported his helm" and delivered a raking broadside. Just then he was shot in the chest, which threw the Viper into confusion, and the British vessel escaped. Williams died six hours later (he was the only American casualty). [Maclay, 208]

David Williamson was a resident of Baltimore, Maryland. He was associated with the following privateers:

Date

State

Rig/Name/Guns/Crew

Commander

Co-owners

Security

Witness

5/28/78

MD

Schooner Johnson (5/8)

William Yeardsley

Daniel Bowley et al

William Yeardsley, David Williamson

Thomas Johnson, Jr. [NRAR, 360]

John Williamson was a resident of Marblehead, Massachusetts. [NRAR, 230] He served as a Lieutenant aboard a privateer in 1778, when the vessel was captured by the British. On 24 September 1778 he was sent to Fortun Prison, at Gosport, near Portsmouth, England. [NOAR, 340] Williamson was later commissioned to command the Massachusetts Privateer Ship Argo on 15 December 1781. [NRAR, 230]

William Williamson was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Pennsylvania Navy on 1 October 1776 and assigned to the Pennsylvania Navy Convention. [NOAR, 340]

Appointed 13 July 1775 to a Committee to confer with Clement Lempriere on a proposed expedition to obtain powder.

Thomas Willing was a very important merchant and political figure in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was the senior member of the firm of Willing & Morris, the other partner being ROBERT MORRIS. For the details concerning Willing’s privateers see MORRIS, ROBERT.

Benjamin Willis was a resident of Boston, Massachusetts. He was commissioned to the Massachusetts Privateer Brigantine Betsey on 26 September 1780. [NRAR, 236]

William Willis [Wills] was a resident of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was commissioned to the Pennsylvania Privateer Brigantine Carolina on 28 May 1779. [NRAR, 246] Willis was commissioned to the Pennsylvania Privateer Schooner True Blue on 18 October 1779, [NRAR, 478] and, on 4 January 1780, to the Pennsylvania Privateer Ship Jane. [NRAR, 356]

William Willis was a resident of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. On 5 March 1782 Willis was aboard the Pennsylvania Privateer Sloop Dolphin (Commander JACOB DE HART) as First Mate. [NRAR, 274] Willis listed his age as 22, and was described as 5 feet 8 inches tall, with light hair and a fresh complexion. [NOAR, 340]

John Sek Wills was a resident of Virginia. He was associated with the following vessels:

Date

State

Rig/Name/Guns/Crew

Commander

Co-owners

Security

Witness

9/28/81

VA

Brigantine Governor Nelson

Nathaniel Parker

Josiah Parker, John Sek Wills

Parker & Wills, James M. Simmons

John Dandridge [NRAR, 320]

Alexander Wilson was a resident of Boston, Massachusetts. He was commissioned to the Massachusetts Privateer Brigantine Edward on 5 November 1780. [NRAR, 280]

Hugh Wilson [Willson] was a resident of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. On 24 March 1781 he was aboard the Pennsylvania Privateer Brigantine Don Francisco (Commander JOHN GIFFORD) as First Mate. Wilson listed his age as 27. He was commissioned to the Don Franciso on 27 October 1781. Wilson was commissioned to the Pennsylvania Privateer Schooner Renown on 25 May 1782. On 14 March 1783 Wilson was commissioned to the Maryland Privateer Schooner Greyhound. [NOAR, 341]

James Wilson [Willson] was aboard the Continental Navy Schooner Wasp in January 1776 as Master’s Mate. [NOAR, 340] He had joined the Continental Navy Sloop Independence (Captain JOHN YOUNG) as a Second Lieutenant by October 1776. [Clark, The First Saratoga, 153] Wilson served aboard Independence during her voyage to Martinique and her return. He was transferred to the sloop Morris in December 1776. [ Clark, The First Saratoga, 153-154] He served in the sloop Morris, which was taken and carried in to Halifax, where Wilson was imprisoned. He escaped and made his way to Borden Town about early October 1777, where he delivered letters for Robert Morris to the Navy Board of the Middle District. [NDAR, X, 59 and note. The Morris may have been the ship Morris, blown up on 11 April 1777.]

James Hood Wilson was presumably a Philadelphia area native, as were most of the early Marine officers recruited in 1775. On 4 January 1776 Wilson was aboard the Continental Navy Brig Cabot (Captain JOHN BURROUGHS HOPKINS) as First Lieutenant of Marines, under Captain of Marines JOHN WELSH. Wilson sailed on the Cabot and participated in the New Providence Expedition. On 6 April the returning Continental fleet encountered HM Frigate Glasgow. Cabot was the first vessel to fire, beginning the Battle off Block Island. Wilson was mortally wounded at Glasgow's first broadside. [Smith, Marines, 72, 478]

John Wilson [Willson] was a resident of Boston, Massachusetts. He was commissioned to the Massachusetts Privateer Schooner General Arnold on 20 December 1777, and, on 15 June 1778, to the Massachusetts Privateer Brig General Stark. On 29 September 1778 Wilson was commissioned to the Massachusetts Privateer Schooner General Heath. He was next commissioned, on 18 January 1779, to the Massachusetts Privateer Sloop Royal Louis. Wilson was commissioned to the Massachusetts Privateer Brigantine Rebecca on 4 September 1779. [NOAR, 340]

John Wilson was, possibly, a resident of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was aboard the Maryland Privateer Sloop Franklin (Commander JAMES TATE) as First Mate on 11 March 1779. [NRAR, 303] He may be the same John Wilson who served as a witness on the bond for the Pennsylvania Privateer Brigantine Gustavus (Commander GEORGE FLEMING), commissioned on 8 November 1780. [NRAR, 322] Wilson was commissioned to the Pennsylvania Privateer Brigantine Queen of Sweden on the same day. [NRAR, 425]

John Wilson was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Pennsylvania Navy on 6 March 1776 and assigned to the Pennsylvania Navy Galley Ranger. [NOAR, 341] He may be the same man as the privateer commander above.

John Wilson was a Midshipman aboard the Virginia Navy Brig Liberty (Captain THOMAS HERBERT) in July 1777. He was aboard the Tempest on 7 December 1779. [Stewart, 269]

Joseph Wilson was a Master’s Mate [First Mate] aboard the Virginia Navy Brig Liberty (Captain THOMAS LILLY) from 18 May 1776 to 30 July 1776. [Stewart, 269] Wilson was one of the officers who complained about Lilly on 11 October 1776. [Stewart, 44-45] He had apparently been promoted to Master (although listed as JOHN WILSON) by late 1776. [Stewart, 45 note]

Joseph Wilson is listed as a Midshipman in the Virginia Navy, with no additional information. [Stewart, 269]

Joseph Wilson was associated with the following vessels:

Date

State

Rig/Name/Guns/Crew

Commander

Co-owners

Security

Witness

11/6/81

VA

Brig Prosperity (14/40)

Alexander Murray

Hugh Young & Co.

Alexander Murray, Joseph Wilson

Charles Hay [NRAR, 422]

Nathaniel Wilson was aboard the Connecticut Navy Ship Oliver Cromwell as Second Mate on 25 February 1777, according to the crew list. [NDAR, 7, 1283-1287]

Philip Wilson was a resident of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was associated with the following vessels:

Date

State

Rig/Name/Guns/Crew

Commander

Co-owners

Security

Witness

5/5/81

PA

Brigantine Hibernia (4/14)

John Baxter

John Pringle and Philip Wilson & Co.

John Pringle, Philip Wilson

James Teimble [NRAR, 338]

Robert Wilson was commissioned as a First Lieutenant in the Pennsylvania Navy on 22 August 1776 and assigned to the Pennsylvania Navy Galley Washington. [NOAR, 341]

Willis Wilson was commissioned as a Captain in the Virginia Navy on 25 October 1776 and assigned to the Virginia Navy Galley Caswell. [NOAR, 341]

William Winder was a commissioner on the Navy Board of the Middle District. On 7 October 1779 he signed a report to the Marine Committee on the actions of John Anderson in selling public stores. The report included an inventory of the stores on hand. [NRAR, 119] On 4 December 1780 Winder wrote to Samuel Huntington, the President of the Continental Congress, requesting a leave of absence without pay from the Navy Board of the Middle District, until Congress should decide how that board was to be reorganized. The request was granted. [NRAR, 167]

Amos Windship was appointed as Surgeon on the Massachusetts Navy Brig Massachusetts (Captain DANIEL SOUTHER) on 5 November 1776. [NOAR, 341]

John Wing was born in Dartmouth, Massachusetts in 1755. On 26 May 1778 he was appointed as Second Lieutenant on the [Massachusetts Privateer] Sloop America. Wing died at Dartmouth in 1832. [NOAR, 341]

Joshua Wing was a resident of Boston, Massachusetts. He was commissioned to the Massachusetts Privateer Schooner Marisheete on 7 April 1777. Wing was commissioned to the Massachusetts Privateer Boat Scotch Trick on 3 September 1782. Wing was captured by the British Privateer Admiral Digby, subsequently re-captured by Alexander Smiley of Philadelphia and released on board his brigantine Iris in February 1783. [NOAR, 341-342]

Moses Wing was a native of Pocasset, Massachusetts. After the fight at Lexington he went to Boston and tried to join the American Army. His parents forced him to return home. In January 1776, he joined Captain Diamond Morton's company in a regiment or artillery commanded by Colonel Henry Knox, as a drummer. Wing was wounded on Long Island and lost his leg. He was discharged in November/December 1776, returned home and began studying medicine. In May/June 1778 he became a Surgeon’s Mate on the Continental Navy Sloop Providence (Captain JOHN RATHBUN). [Wing, George W., The Owl, Wing Family of America Incorporated, Kewaunee, Wisconsin: 1916, v 18, no. 4, pp. 1691-1693] In August 1778, Wing served as Surgeon on the privateer Vagrant (Malvin). In October/November he was on another privateer, brig Stark (Hubbard). [Massachusetts Society of the Sons of the American Revolution: Register of Members, April 19, 1907, and Records of their Revolutionary Ancestors with the Constitution and By Laws and Proceedings of the Society and Managers, F. A. Baggette Company: Springfield, 1907, 191. I am unable to further identify this privateer.] Alternatively, the privateer is listed as the sloop Vagrant, and the master as Maloon [perhaps Malone]. [http://worldcupcafe.pbworks.com/Moses+Wing+I1000000]. In June, 1779, he again entered a hospital at Boston and there served six months as surgeon's mate to Dr. John Warren, one of the most eminent of the Revolutionary surgeons. Wing again entered military service and served in militia regiments until December 1781, as a Surgeon’s Mate and Surgeon. [Wing, The Owl, v 18, no. 4, pp. 1691-1693]

Peter Wing was a resident of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. [NRAR, 228] He was born about 1757. [NOAR, 342] He was appointed as First Mate on the Maryland Privateer Schooner Antelope (Commander Frederick Folger), commissioned on 20 January 1781. [NRAR, 228] Wing was commissioned to the Pennsylvania Privateer Schooner Felicity on 17 November 1781. [NRAR, 292] He listed his age as 24. [NOAR, 342]

Edmund Wingate of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, listed his age as 23 [NOAR, 342] when he was appointed as First Mate on the Pennsylvania Privateer Brigantine Virginia (Commander PETER HODGKINSON) on 18 June 1781. [NRAR, 488] The Virginia was captured by the British vessel New Adventure about March 1782. [NOAR, 342]

George Winn was a resident of Richmond, Virginia. He was associated with the following vessels:

Date

State

Rig/Name/Guns/Crew

Commander

Co-owners

Security

Witness

4/25/82

VA

Schooner Hazzard (16/75)

Daniel Conant

George Winn & Co.

Daniel Conant, James Hunter

Archibald Blair [NRAR, 331]

John Winning was a resident of Baltimore, Maryland. He was commissioned to the Maryland Privateer Sloop Fly on 14 September 1778. [NRAR, 295] Winning was commissioned to the Pennsylvania Privateer Ship Experiment on 4 October 1780. [NRAR, 285]

Jonathan Winship presumably lived in the Salem, Massachusetts area. He was a presumptive owner of at least one privateer.

Date

State

Rig/Name/Guns/Crew

Commander

Co-owners

Security

Witness

10/11/82

MA

Schooner Tartar (10/18)

Thomas Dexter

Joshua Convers et al

Thomas Dexter, Joshua Convers, Jonathan Winship

Laban Bates, John Howard [NRAR, 391]

John Winthrop was a resident of Boston, Massachusetts. He was associated with the following vessels:

Date

State

Rig/Name/Guns/Crew

Commander

Co-owners

Security

Witness

6/28/81

MA

Brigantine Lark (4/13)

Robert Stonehouse

Isaac Phillips, John Winthrop et al

Robert Stonehouse, Isaac Phillips, John Winthrop

Joseph Ingraham, Jere Webb [NRAR, 369]

10/1/81

MA

Brigantine Lark (4/12)

Joseph Tilden

John Winthrop et al

Joseph Tilden, Isaac Phillips, Benjamin Jepson

David Phillips [NRAR, 369]

Date

State

Rig/Name/Guns/Crew

Commander

Co-owners

Security

Witness

2/11/82

MA

Brigantine Queen of Spain (6/15)

Tristram Barnard

Benjamin Jepson et al

Tristram Barnard, Benjamin Jepson, John Winthrop

John Welsh, Jr., Abraham Forst [NRAR, 425]

Date

State

Rig/Name/Guns/Crew

Commander

Co-owners

Security

Witness

11/8/80

MA

Brigantine Venus (6/15)

Michael Leslie

Daniel and Robert McNeill

Michael Leslie, Robert McNeill, Ebenezer Lane

John Winthrop, Samuel Perkins [NRAR, 485]

Martin Wirt was commissioned on 1 July 1776 as a Captain in the Pennsylvania Navy and assigned to the Pennsylvania Navy Sloop Sally. [NOAR, 342]

George Wise was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Maryland Navy on 8 March 1776 and assigned to the Maryland Navy Schooner Resolution. [NOAR, 342]

John Wisenthall may have been a resident of Baltimore, Maryland. In January 1776 he was the Surgeon aboard the Continental Navy Schooner Wasp. [NOAR, 342]

James Wisickinson was associated with the following vessel:

Date

State

Rig/Name/Guns/Crew

Commander

Co-owners

Security

Witness

3/20/78

NJ

Boat Chance

Timothy Shaler