John H. Dent, born in Maryland in 1782, was appointed a Midshipman 16 March 1798. He served in Constellation when she captured the French frigate Insurgente on 1 February 1799, and after serving in Constitution in the Mediterranean, commanded the schooners Nautilus and Scourge during the Tripolitan War, taking part in the attacks on Tripoli in 1805. He was in command of Hornet from 1806 to 1808.

Captain Dent died in St. Bartholomew’s Parish, Maryland on 31 July 1823.


Source: Naval History & Heritage Command including Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.