James Lawrence
James Lawrence | |
|---|---|
Portrait by Gilbert Stuart, c. 1812 | |
| Born | October 1, 1781 |
| Died | June 4, 1813 (aged 31) USS Chesapeake near Boston, Massachusetts, US |
| Cause of death | Gunshot Wound |
| Resting place | Trinity Church Cemetery, New York, New York |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch | United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1798–1813 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Commands | |
| Battles / wars | |
| Spouse(s) | Julia Montaudevert |
| Children | 1 |
| Signature | |
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James Lawrence (October 1, 1781 – June 4, 1813) was an officer of the United States Navy. During the War of 1812, he commanded USS Chesapeake in a single-ship action against HMS Shannon, commanded by Philip Broke. He is probably best known today for his last words, "Don't give up the ship!", uttered during the capture of the Chesapeake. The quotation is still a popular naval battle cry, and was invoked in Oliver Hazard Perry's personal battle flag, adopted to commemorate his dead friend.