Hugh Montgomery (sea captain)
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Captain Hugh Montgomery |
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| Born | unknown date |
| Died | 1780 Wilmington, Delaware |
| Resting place | Holy Trinity Church (Old Swedes) |
| Known for |
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Hugh Montgomery was an American sea captain during the American Revolutionary War. He was commander of the brig Nancy, chartered to transport military supplies for the Americans. While loading cargo in the Caribbean, he learned that independence had been declared and raised the first American flag in a foreign port, according to his daughter. Returning to Philadelphia, he prevented the seizure of the cargo of gunpowder by British blockaders at the Battle of Turtle Gut Inlet on June 29, 1776. He was later captured by the British and died in 1780 returning from New Providence after his release.
On March 1, 1776, Robert Morris of the Pennsylvania Committee of Safety chartered the newly built Nancy and Captain Hugh Montgomery to transport gunpowder and arms for the revolution.
Later in March, Captain Montgomery sailed to Puerto Rico to purchase arms and ammunition. In early June, the crew loaded additional supplies in the Caribbean islands of St. Thomas and St. Croix.
While at St. Thomas, Captain Montgomery received news that independence had been declared. An American flag was created by ensign Thomas Mendenhall and flown to replace the British one. That is, according to Elizabeth Montgomery, the captain's daughter, and Thomas C. Mendenhall, by family tradition. Her book includes an mezzotint engraving by John Sartain that shows Nancy flying an American flag with a circle of ten stars surrounding three central stars.
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