Memorial in Trinity Church, Manhattan, New York, United States of America commemorating Captain James Lawrence, USN, d. 1813
Location
Trinity Church, Manhattan, New York, United States of America, Rest of the World
Transcript
'In memory of / Captain JAMES LAWRENCE / of the United States Navy, / who fell on the 1st day of June 1813, in the 32nd year of his age, / in the action between the / frigates Chesapeake & Shannon. / He was distinguished on various occasions but especially when commanding / the sloop of war Hornet he captured and sunk his Britannick Majesty's sloop of war Peacock / after a desperate action of fourteen minutes. / His bravery in action was equalled only by his modesty in triumph, / and his magnanimity to the vanquished. / In private life He was a gentleman of the most generous and endearing qualities, the whole nation / mourned his loss, and the Enemy contended with his Countrymen who should most honor his remains.’ //
'The HEROICK COMMANDER / of the frigate Chesapeake, / whose remains are here deposited / expressed with his expiring breath, / his devotion to his Country. / Neither the fury of battle, / the anguish of a mortal wound, / nor the horrors of approaching death / could subdue his gallant Spirit. / His dying words were / 'DON'T GIVE UP THE SHIP'.'
Details
Type: Sarcophagus
Materials: Brown stone
Vessel: USS Chesapeake
Event
Capture of USS Chesapeake
Event Date
1813
Event Category
1812 - 1815 War of 1812
People
Age: 31
Date of Death: 4/6/1813
Cause of Death: War casualty
Rank / Occupation: Commander
Organisation: United States Navy
Extra
Bibliography: H.F. Pullen 'Shannon and the Chesapeake' (Toronto, 1970) (photo); Sir P.V.B Broke, J.G. Brighton comp. 'Admiral Sir P.B.V. Broke, Bart., K.C.B. etc: a memoir' (London, 1866).