Naval Officer. Nicholson began his career in the British Navy. He participated in the Battle of Havana against the Spanish in 1762, during the Seven Years' War. During the American Revolution, Nicholson joined the Continental Navy, and was named captain of the "Defense." As the most senior captain in the Navy, Nicholson was named Commodore-in-Chief of the Continental Navy. Nicholson fought at the Battle of Trenton (December 26, 1776), but was later given command of another ship,the "Virginia." This ship he beached in the Chesapeake Bay, and fled to shore, rather than fight the Birtish. Later in the war, Nicholson was given command of the frigate "Trumbull." The men under his command on this ship refused to fight when challenged by HMS "Iris" and Nicholson surrendered his ship. After the war, Nicholson was a U.S. Commissioner of Loans, from 1801-1804. Four U.S. Navy ships have been named after him and his family of sailors.
Naval Officer. Nicholson began his career in the British Navy. He participated in the Battle of Havana against the Spanish in 1762, during the Seven Years' War. During the American Revolution, Nicholson joined the Continental Navy, and was named captain of the "Defense." As the most senior captain in the Navy, Nicholson was named Commodore-in-Chief of the Continental Navy. Nicholson fought at the Battle of Trenton (December 26, 1776), but was later given command of another ship,the "Virginia." This ship he beached in the Chesapeake Bay, and fled to shore, rather than fight the Birtish. Later in the war, Nicholson was given command of the frigate "Trumbull." The men under his command on this ship refused to fight when challenged by HMS "Iris" and Nicholson surrendered his ship. After the war, Nicholson was a U.S. Commissioner of Loans, from 1801-1804. Four U.S. Navy ships have been named after him and his family of sailors.
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