Charles Edward Hawkins (1802 - February 11, 1837) was the Commander of the First Texas Navy during the Texan Revolution.

After serving along the Atlantic seaboard, Hawkins was transferred to the U.S. West Indies Squadron which was commanded by Commodore David Porter on a mission to suppress piracy.

Smith was impressed with Hawkins' credentials and sent him to New Orleans purchase the United States Revenue cutter Ingham.

After the Texans' victory at the Battle of San Jacinto, Hawkins ordered the fleet south again to blockade the port of Matamoros, Tamaulipas.

Eventually the poor state of the Texan ships forced them all into port with the Independence going to New Orleans for retrofitting in September 1837.