Edward Preble (August 15, 1761 – August 25, 1807) was a United States naval officer who served with great distinction during the 1st Barbary War, leading American attacks on the city of Tripoli and forming the officer corps that would later lead the U.S. Navy in the War of 1812. Early life Preble was born at Falmouth, Eastern Massachusetts, now Portland, Maine, on August 15, 1761. He was the son of General Jedidiah Preble (1707–1784) and his second wife, Mehitable Roberts (née Bangs) Preble (1728–1805). He received his early education in Falmouth and later attended Dummer School in Byfield, Massachusetts. As a boy, his home was destroyed in the burning of Falmouth by British Naval Commander Henry Mowat. It is said that this action compelled Preble to join the Navy. It also contributed to his terrible temper later in life. Career In 1779, he was appointed to the Massachusetts State Navy, becoming an officer in the 26-gun ship Protector. Becoming a British prisoner when that ship was captured in 1781, he was held for a time in the infamous prison ship . On his release, he served in the Massachusetts Navy sloop Winthrop and led a boarding party to cut out a British brig at Castine, Maine. At the opening of this action, Winthrop passed by the enemy ship so quickly that only Preble and 14 of his 45-man boarding party managed to get aboard. As Winthrop came back around to make another pass, Winthrop'''s captain, George Little, asked Preble if he wanted more men. Preble, realizing that he would lose the element of surprise if he disclosed his far weaker position, coolly replied, "No. We have more than we want. We stand in each others' way!" Going below with pistols in hand, he caught a portion of the crew still in their hammocks. Preble then announced that all were prisoners and that any resistance would be in vain. As British soldiers on shore began firing, Preble worked his prize out to sea while the Winthrop turned to deliver a broadside in reply before making her escape. United States Navy service Fifteen years of merchant service followed his Revolutionary War career and, in April 1798, he was commissioned as a lieutenant in the United States Navy. In January 1799, he assumed command of the 14-gun brig and took her to the West Indies to protect American commerce during the Quasi-War