William Eaton (soldier)

William Eaton (soldier)

William Eaton (23 February 1764 – 1 June 1811) was a United States Army officer and the Consul to Tunis (1797–1803). He played important diplomatic and military roles in the war between the United States and Tripoli (1801–05). He led the first foreign United States military victory the Battle of Derne by capturing the Tripoli subject city of Derne in support of the restoration of the pasha, Hamet Caramelli. William Eaton also gave testimony at the treason trial of Aaron Burr. He served one term in the Massachusetts State Legislature. Eaton died on June 1, 1811 at the age of forty-seven. The World War II destroyer USS Eaton (DD-510) was named after him.