NELSON, John, patriot, born in Massachusetts about 1660; died there, 4 December, 1721. He was a near relative of Sir Thomas Temple and headed the party that took Governor Andros prisoner in 1689. Hutchinson says that he was not allowed any share in the subsequent government, on account of his being an Episcopalian. When on a trading-voyage to Nova Scotia he was taken by the French, and imprisoned in Quebec. While there he wrote a letter dated 26 August, 1692, to the court of Massachusetts, NELSON which gave particular information of the designs of the French, in consequence of which he was sent to France, where he remained in prison two years. When he had found means to inform Sir Purbeck Temple of his condition, a demand was soon made for his release or exchange. The immediate effect of this was his transfer to the Basthe; but he was finally discharged, and returned to his family after an absence of ten or eleven years.