[b] During the weeks he spent engaging the Royal Navy on the Delaware River, Hazelwood innovated several naval tactics and played a major role in the development of riverine warfare in the United States.

Recommended by Washington and his council, Hazelwood was chosen to lead a large fleet of American ships and riverboats up river to safety.

For his bravery and distinguished service Congress awarded him with a ceremonial military sword, while the famous presidential artist Charles Peale found Hazelwood worthy enough to paint his portrait.

In the years before the American Revolution broke out Hazelwood served as a captain on various merchant vessels, most often shipping goods between Philadelphia and London.

In the years before the American Revolution he commanded a number of ships including the Susanna and Molly in 1753, the Greyhound in 1762, the Monckton in 1763, the Sally in 1771 and the Rebecca in 1774.

[4][8] Hazelwood planned for and participated in the defense of the Delaware River approach to Philadelphia in 1777 before and during the Siege of Fort Mifflin, which lasted approximately three weeks.

[5] Hazelwood was given a scouting assignment on September 19, with orders to move the American fleet to Darby Creek to observe British strength, vessels and activity at Chester.

In the days that followed the British began fortifying the shore surrounding the city and at the mouth of the Schuylkill River, bringing in heavy guns and supplies.

Two days later, Hazelwood landed a body of militia on Carpenter's Island, assaulting the middle battery and capturing fifty men and two officers.

[11] At this time the Marine Committee of Congress ordered Hazelwood and his second in command, Captain Charles Alexander, to take a small fleet of vessels and fire on British positions in and about Philadelphia.

In the process the British ship of the line HMS Augusta, commanded by Francis Reynolds grounded and mysteriously caught fire and blew up.

In the months leading up to the British siege of Fort Mifflin Washington's headquarters at this time was located north of Philadelphia in Whitemarsh where he maintained frequent communication with Hazelwood, sending him reports, orders and advice.

[17][e] Fort Mifflin, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Smith, was located on an island in the middle of this river and was a key point of defense for the Americans.

[1][18] The successful siege upon the stone and earthen fort required the prolonged bombardment by the British Navy under the command of Admiral Howe, also involving land batteries, lasting from September 26 to November 16, 1777.

The standoff and defense of the fort allowed time for Washington and the Continental Army to safely deploy for the Battle of White Marsh and its subsequent withdrawal to Valley Forge.

During the assembly Washington's council recommended that Commodore Hazelwood lead the effort "with the first favorable wind", and get the American ships and supplies in the area safely up river just past Burlington, New Jersey.

Exchanges between the two became increasingly heated and bitter, while each embarked on campaigns in Congress and the Pennsylvania Council for the purpose of exonerating themselves of any shortcomings, while the blaming from both continued.

In February 1779, urged by the Board of War and merchants, Hazelwood was part of a committee of six defense experts chosen to survey the Delaware River, and represented the State of Pennsylvania in this effort.

The renowned patriot and artist Captain Charles Wilson Peale considered Hazelwood worthy of one of his portraits, which was later acquired by the city of Philadelphia and was hung in Independence Hall.