John Hazelwood

Background

John Hazelwood was born in 1726 in England.

Career

John Hazelwood became a mariner early in life, and later emigrated to Pennsylvania. As early as 1753 he was in command of various merchant ships plying between Philadelphia and foreign ports, the Rebecca, in 1774, being one of the largest sailing at the time. At the outbreak of the Revolution Pennsylvania sought his services as a naval leader. In July 1775 he assisted the Committee of Safety in the construction of warships, floating batteries, and fire rafts, and also in sinking chevaux-de-jrise in the Delaware River. On December 28, 1775, he was named captain of ten fire rafts and temporarily superintendent over a fleet of rafts, an appointment made permanent the following June. During 1776 he surveyed the Delaware at Philadelphia and in July went to Poughkeepsie, New York, to devise plans for obstructing the North River by fire vessels. For the latter services he received a three-hundred-dollar gift from the convention of New York and the praises of the Secret Committee of Congress.

Early in 1777 Hazelwood was promoted commodore in the Pennsylvania navy, and on September 6, 1777, as Howe was approaching the city, the Pennsylvania Council placed him in full command of the naval forces of the state. Shortly after entering Philadelphia Howe demanded the surrender of the Pennsylvania fleet. Hazelwood’s curt reply that he would defend it to the last extremity so gratified Congress that on October 17 they commended him for his bravery. When the British fleet attempted to pass up the river on October 22, Hazelwood drove them back, destroying two men-of-war and compelling four others to retire.

Later, when Fort Mifflin fell, and the fleet was ordered up the river beyond Philadelphia, he succeeded in conveying thirteen galleys, twelve armed boats, the brig Convention, and some minor craft to a refuge above Burlington without having a shot fired at them.

Throughout the campaign for the defense of Philadelphia Hazelwood gave ample evidence that he was a daring and brilliant naval officer, skilled in seamanship and naval affairs. In the summer of 1778, with the British out of Philadelphia, the Assembly decided that a large navy was unnecessary and the fleet was disbanded. Late in 1778, while on furlough, he visited the West Indies on private business. In 1779 he helped to raise money for the army by house-to house canvass. On June 23, 1780, he was ap pointed commissioner of purchases for the Continental Army in Philadelphia and in December 1780 receiver of provisions for the Pennsylvania militia. Little is known of his life after the war except that in 1785 he was a port warden in Philadelphia, and that he was owner or part own of vessels engaged in the foreign trade. Hazelwood’s portrait, painted by Peale, was purchased by the city and hung in Independence Hall.

Achievements

• John Hazelwood was a noted naval officer during the American Revolutionary War. He was placed in command of the Continental warships responsible for defending Philadelphia and the Delaware River. During the weeks spent engaging the British navy on the Delaware River Hazelwood innovated many naval tactics, kept the British navy at bay for weeks and played a major role in the development of riverine warfare for the American navies. For his bravery and distinguished service Congress awarded him with a ceremonial military sword.

Connections

Hazelwood was twice married: on August 10, 1753, to Mary, daughter of Charles Edgar, Philadelphia merchant, and after her death, to Esther, widow of Samuel Leacock and daughter of Plunket Fleeson.

Spouse:

Mary (Edgar) Hazelwood

Spouse:

Esther (Leacock) Hazelwood