William Eaton (soldier)

William Eaton
Eaton c. 1807
Born	February 23, 1764 Woodstock, Connecticut, British America
Died	June 1, 1811(1811-06-01) (aged 47) Brimfield, Massachusetts, U.S.
Allegiance	United States
Service/branch	Continental Army United States Army
Years of service	1780–1783 1792-1797 1799–1803 (Consul to Tunis)
Rank	Consul General
Battles/wars	First Barbary War (1801-1805) Battle of Derne

William Eaton (23 February 1764^[1] – 1 June 1811^[2]) was a United States Army officer and the diplomatic officer Consul General to Tunis (1797–1803). He played an important diplomatic and military role in the First Barbary War between the United States and Tripoli (1801–1805). He led the first foreign United States military victory at the Battle of Derne by capturing the Tripoli subject city of Derne in support of the restoration of the pasha (local monarch), Hamet Caramelli.^[3] He also gave testimony at the treason trial of former Vice President Aaron Burr.^[4] Eaton served one term in the General Court of Massachusetts, which is the state legislature both during and after the colonial era. Eaton died on June 1, 1811, at the age of 47.