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Capture of the USS Chesapeake

In June of 1813, the newly appointed commander of USS Chesapeake, Captain James Lawrence faced a crew who refused to reenlist, until they resolved an issue about prize money. Eager to get out into the harbor to patrol for British ships, the new commander took on recruits with less experience and set out. 

The commander of HMS Shannon, Philip Bowes Vere Broke had written a letter challenging the USS Chesapeake to combat, but Lawrence never received the letter. When the USS Chesapeake approached HMS Shannon on June 1,1813, Lawrence decided to attack the frigate, unaware that Broke had already planned to duel. Fairly matched in guns and size, the Chesapeake’s 50 guns were comparable to the Shannon’s 52 guns, the only major advantage seemed to be the experience of the HMS Shannon’s crew and their training routine. News of the impending ship-to-ship duel had spread throughout Boston, and most believed that USS Chesapeake would win this duel. 

The two frigates exchanged broadsides, and the HMS Shannon compromised the USS Chesapeake’s ability to maneuver almost instantly. Within minutes, Captain Lawrence’s First Lieutenant William Ludlow received a mortal wound. Wounded twice himself, Captain Lawrence announced, “Don’t give up the ship!” before being brought below deck. Exposed to continuous firing, in less than 25 minutes, HMS Shannon took the frigate. The HMS Shannon arrived in Halifax four days later, with the survivors of the USS Chesapeake. The captives remained interred at Melville Island Military Prison for the rest of the war. (1)

Original reports listed USS Chesapeake as suffering 23 casualties, and the HMS Shannon 24. The numbers are likely higher, as many later succumbed to their injuries. Captain Lawrence died on June 4, before their arrival in Halifax. First interred, at the Old Burying Grounds at Barrington Street, he was later reinterred at the Trinity Churchyard in Manhattan, where thousands attended the public service. O urials for the other casualties of the battle, occurred on Deadman’s Island, and the Royal Navy Burial Ground for the USS Chesapeake and the HMS Shannon respectively. The commander of HMS Shannon, Captain Broke, suffered a serious injury but survived the ordeal. The USS Chesapeake, became a part of the Royal Navy and served until 1819. (2)

The incident did not sit well with many Americans, and conspiracy theories hypothesizing the real reason for the loss, began almost immediately. This mentality resulted in the court- martial of Acting Lieutenant WIlliam Cox, in 1814. Accused of  “unofficer- like conduct” for bringing Lawrence below deck, the court released him from service. Others faced similar punishment for their actions on June 1, including Midshipman James W. Forest who received a reprimand. A black bugler named William Brown received a punishment of 100 lashes for failing to blow his bugle at a crucial moment. 

None of these men should have shouldered the blame for the loss of the USS Chesapeake individually. Instead, the defeat can be attributed to the same things that gave HMS Shannon the edge. Having more experience, being more familiar with their commander, and having different training practices are just some of the things that can be attributed to HMS Shannon successfully taking the USS Chesapeake. Captain Lawrence continued to be seen as a hero of the battle, even after the war ended. (3)

Footnotes

1.“The Capture of the Chesapeake, 1 June 1813, and What it Meant,” accessed April 23, 2023, The Capture of Chesapeake, 1 June 1813, and What It Meant;  “Explaining Defeat: The Loss of the USS Chesapeake,” accessed April 23, 2023, Explaining Defeat: The Loss of the USS Chesapeake | Naval History Magazine; “HMS Shannon Vs. USS Chesapeake,” accessed April 23, 2023,  HMS Shannon vs USS Chesapeake.

2.“The Capture of the Chesapeake, 1 June 1813, and What it Meant,” accessed April 23, 2023, The Capture of Chesapeake, 1 June 1813, and What It Meant; HMS Shannon Vs. USS Chesapeake,” accessed April 23, 2023,  HMS Shannon vs USS Chesapeake.

3.“Captain, USN, (1781- 1813),” accessed April 23, 2023, Lawrence, James;  “Explaining Defeat: The Loss of the USS Chesapeake,” accessed April 23, 2023, Explaining Defeat: The Loss of the USS Chesapeake | Naval History Magazine.