Hegesippus was a statesman and orator, nicknamed "knot", probably from the way in which he wore his hair.
He lived in the time of Demosthenes, whose anti-Macedonian policy he enthusiastically supported.
The mission was unsuccessful, but soon afterwards Philip wrote to Athens, offering to resign possession of the island or to submit to arbitration the question of ownership.
In reply to this letter the oration De Halonneso was delivered, which, although included among the speeches of Demosthenes, is generally considered to be by Hegesippus.
Dionysius of Halicarnassus and Plutarch, however, favour the authorship of Demosthenes.