Stephen Champlin-- Part 5: First Cousin of Oliver Hazard Perry

Upon his return, the ship's owners were so impressed at how well Champlin had performed that they immediately promoted him to captain, despite the fact he was just  22 years old.

Before he could go on another voyage another 90 day embargo  was imposed due to the expectation that war with England was imminent.  During this time, Champlin was offered a warrant as a sailing master in the U.S. Navy. He accepted this pending the declaration of war.

When the war did begin,  he was appointed commander of a gunboat anchored at Norwich.  he fitted her out and joined up with Oliver Hazard Perry's fleet at Newport.  He didn't see any action along the coast and had to settle for delivering messages from Perry to New London.

Oliver Hazard Perry was his first cousin.  Oliver's father and Stephen's mother were siblings.  In addition, Perry's wife was the daughter of  Benjamin Mason and Margaret Champlin- a distant relative.

--Brock-Perry