John Linzee
John Linzee | |
|---|---|
Portrait of Captain John Linzee | |
| Born | 25 March 1743 |
| Died | 8 October 1798 (aged 55) |
| Allegiance | Great Britain |
Branch | Royal Navy |
Rank | Captain |
| Commands | HMS Beaver HMS Falcon |
John Linzee (25 March 1743 – 8 October 1798) was a British Royal Navy officer who served during the late 18th century. He is best known for his service in North America during the period before and during the American Revolutionary War, including his command of HMS Falcon during the Battle of Bunker Hill and his involvement in events surrounding the Gaspee Affair.[1]
Early life and naval career
[edit]John Linzee was born on 25 March 1743 at Kingston, Portsea, Hampshire, England. He entered the British Royal Navy and advanced through the ranks during the 1760s. He served aboard several vessels before receiving command appointments in North America.[2]
North American service and the Gaspee Affair
[edit]In 1770, Linzee commanded the HMS Beaver on the North American station. During this period he became involved in events surrounding the burning of HMS Gaspee in 1772. Although he did not command Gaspee, his vessel operated in the same area and he was involved in the aftermath of the incident.[3]
American Revolutionary War
[edit]In 1775, Linzee commanded HMS Falcon during the opening campaigns of the American Revolutionary War. The ship supported British operations during the Battle of Bunker Hill, providing naval assistance during the engagement.[4] Linzee's command of Falcon also brought him into conflict with American forces during coastal operations in Massachusetts, including the Battle of Gloucester.[5][6]
Later life
[edit]After his naval career, Linzee continued his naval career and later settled in Massachusetts. His life after the Revolution was filled with struggle after his tenth child, George, died. His next older sister died during this time as well.[7]
Legacy
[edit]Linzee's connection with the Battle of Bunker Hill is remembered, including his sword, which is preserved alongside that of American commander William Prescott by the Massachusetts Historical Society.[8]
References
[edit]- ↑ "Captain John Linzee (1743–1798)".
- ↑ "John Linzee". More Than Nelson.
- ↑ "Captain John Linzee (1743–1798)".
- ↑ "Captain John Linzee". Bunker Hill Monument Association.
- ↑ Louis Arthur Norton. "Falcon Fans the Flames of Revolution: The Misadventures of Captain John Linzee". Journal of the American Revolution.
- ↑ "Battle of Gloucester". Historic Ipswich.
- ↑ J. L. Bell. "John Linzee and "the appearance of mental derangement"". Boston 1775.
- ↑ "Crossed Swords: Prescott and Linzee Swords from the Battle of Bunker Hill". Massachusetts Historical Society.
External links
[edit]
Media related to John Linzee (captain) at Wikimedia Commons