Elegy: On the Death of James Lawrence, Esq. late Commander of the U.S. Frigate Chesapeake, 1813

Captain James Lawrence took command of the USS Chesapeake in May 1813 during the War of 1812. On June 1, the seasoned crew of the British frigate HMS Shannon disabled and captured the Chesapeake after a short but intense battle--during which the mortally wounded Captain Lawrence issued a last command: "Don't give up the ship!" This elegy honors the fallen captain.