Truxtun Of The Constellation

The Life of Commodore Thomas Truxtun, U.S. Navy, 1755-1822

Plot

This biography details the life of Thomas Truxtun, one of the first six captains appointed by George Washington to the U.S. Navy. Author Eugene Ferguson recounts Truxtun’s debut as a teen merchant seaman, his first command, and his role as a privateer during the American Revolution. After the Revolution, Truxton entered the China trade, making four voyages to the Far East. France then figures prominently in Truxton’s career. Truxton commanded the ship that returned Benjamin Franklin to America after his ambassadorship to France. Truxton also captained the ship Constellation from her launch in 1797 to her return in 1800 from the undeclared naval war with France. Ferguson ends his account with Truxton’s resignation (in 1802) over professional and personal matters.