Paul Hamilton (politician)

Paul Hamilton was an American politician, military officer, planter, slave owner, and merchant as well as the 3rd United States Secretary of the Navy, from 1809 to 1813. In his time as Secretary, he oversaw the United States entry into the War of 1812. He was also responsible for The Naval Hospitals Act of 1811, an act that saved many lives by creating hospital ships and federal funding to help wounded sailors. He was also close childhood friends with Charles Pinckney (governor). The two of them grew up attending the same schools and also grew up as neighbors.