Moments in time

The History Channel

• On Oct. 13, 1775, the Continental Congress authorizes construction and administration of the first American naval force. Esek Hopkins was appointed the first commander-in-chief of the Continental Navy. His first fleet consisted of seven ships: two 24-gun frigates, two 14-gun brigs and three schooners.

• On Oct. 12, 1786, a lovesick Thomas Jefferson composes the first of many romantic letters to a married woman named Maria Cosway. In 1789, his letters grew less frequent. She continued to write to him and vented her frustration at his growing aloofness. After her husband di...