John Cassin-- Part 2: Washington's Friend

John Cassin fought in the American Army during the Revolutionary War before becoming first mate on the Pennsylvania privateer Mayflower on June 27, 1782.  He must have liked the sea because after the war he became a merchant seaman and was reportedly shipwrecked twice.

During the war, he became a close personal friend of George Washington who gave him an oil portrait of himself that unfortunately was lost in a fire at Cassin's home.

By 1800, the U.S. Navy began increasing in size in response to the war with the Barbary pirates in the Mediterranean and needed officers and men.  Cassin became a lieutenant on November 13, 1799.  In April 1806 he was promoted to master commandant and assumed duty as second in command at Washington Navy Yard.  By July 1812, he became a captain, the Navy's highest rank.

More to Come.  --Brock-Perry