American military officer and privateer captain.

Sailor and stonemason. Captain (1775), major (1777), then lieutenant colonel (1778) in Continental Army; captain in Continental navy (1779). Served with distinction in the defense of Fort Mifflin and in naval warfare off the coast of New England and Long Island. Commander of the privateer George Washington (1780). Captured and committed to Mill Prison; made several unsuccessful escape attempts. Exchanged (December 1781).

Settled in Mohawk Valley (1786). New York assemblyman (1792-93) and United States Congressman (1793-94). Federalist. Third-ranking captain in United States navy (1794). United States agent for impressed seamen (1796). Commander of the Constitution (1798-1801).

Son of Benjamin and Rebecca (Allen) Talbot of Dighton, Massachusetts. Married Anna Richmond in 1772; five children. Married Rebecca Morris; two children. Married Elizabeth Pintard. Also had an illegitimate daughter.