Joseph Hewes Builds America's First Navy
Joseph Hewes was Chairman of the Continental Congress’ Marine Committee created the Continental Navy.
First Continental Congress
Joseph Hewes was a New Jersey born, self-made merchant who, at age 30, moved to North Carolina. His business flourished and by the outbreak of the American Revolution he owned a fleet of ships.
North Carolina was a hotbed of rebel activity and Hewes, who was already serving in the Provincial Assembly, was sent to the First Continental Congress.
Hewes signed the Articles of Association and, despite the adverse effect it would have on his business, supported the Non-Importation Agreement. All was not lost, however, as Joseph found a different use for his ships.
Building an American Navy
In October 1775, the Continental Congress formed the Naval Committee. Joseph Hewes was the chairman of this committee and as such was responsible for building the first American Navy.
Hewes donated his entire fleet of private merchant ships to be outfitted for use by the Continental Navy.
When it came time to appoint Naval Officers, Hewes began to argue with another committee member: John Adams.
Although Hewes and Adams had previously maintained a good relationship (and would continue to work well together afterward), they disagreed strongly on who should be placed in charge of the Navy.
Adams, who had secured George Washington’s nomination as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army in order to win Southern support in the war, now believed a Northerner should be given command of the Navy to balance out that power. Hewes believed the most experienced (and therefore best) person was John Paul Jones. In the end, however, Adam’s suggestion of Esek Hopkins won the day.
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Declaration of Independence
In spring of 1776, Hewes presented the Halifax Resolves on the floor of Congress. These Resolves were a recommendation by the North Carolina Provincial Congress to declare independence.
Hewes, though he presented the Resolves, was at first against the idea of independence. During the ensuing debates, however, he changed his mind. Based on discussions with other Delegates, Hewes determined it was too late for reconciliation.
From that point forward, he was instrumental in creating the new nation.
Hewes voted for and signed the Declaration of Independence on behalf of North Carolina.
Death
Joseph Hewes was then placed on the committee responsible for drafting a new government, what became the Articles of Confederation.
He would not see this come to fruition though.
Poor health would lead to his death while still working for the Continental Congress in 1779.
The representatives meeting in Philadelphia attended his funeral and officially resolved to mourn his passing for one month, one of the few delegates to receive this honor.
Published 6/15/18
Updated 9/20/21
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To learn more about Hewes and the Continental Navy, pick up a copy of 'Give Me a Fast Ship.' For fun biographies of the Declaration signers, try 'Signing Their Lives Away.' All books are purchased through my affiliate Amazon.
