1st June 1813: The battle between USS Chesapeake and HMS Shannon - Jenny Morgan RSMA

Sold by Art Marine 2024

During the War of Independence, Captain James Lawrence of the Chesapeake accepted a challenge from Captain Philip Broke of the Shannon which had sailed out of Boston Harbour to meet the equally matched American frigate.

The Chesapeake sailed down onto the awaiting Shannon confident of beating the British, but alas, the Shannon's gunnery proved much more efficient and disciplined, bombarding the American with heavy broadsides. This took away Shannon's fore-rigging and topsail, also smashing the wheel rendering her unable to steer. She fell upon the Shannon and during the skirmish, Captain Lawrence was fatally wounded, but not before he called to his crew those famous words "Don't give up the ship!"

The battle only lasted about 15 minutes before the Chesapeake struck her many colours. With a prize crew aboard she was captured and taken to Halifax, Nova Scotia. Captain Broke survived but with a head wound which was to plague him for the rest of his life.

Oil on canvas signed lower right.

Canvas size 30 x 24 inches

Frame size approx 36 x 30 inches