On 4 June 1812, Hopewell joined the Navy as a Midshipman and on 21 August reported to the frigate Chesapeake. He was still attached on 1 June 1813 when Chesapeake stood out of Boston and met the British frigate HMS Shannon. Disabled by two quick broadsides in the ensuing 15-minute engagement, Chesapeake struck her colors. Among her 146 casualties, both Captain James Lawrence and Midshipman Hopewell were killed.
