Daily Event for June 1


"Don't give up the ship!" These words were uttered on June 1, 1813 by Captain James Lawrence during a
battle with the HMS Shannon off Boston. Lawrence was in command of the USS Chesapeake and had been
severely wounded in the battle. While he was being carried below he gave the order but, it could not be followed
as the British overwhelmed the crew of the Chesapeake and took her as a prize. Lawrence died of his wounds
on the 4th and Chesapeake became HMS Chesapeake following repairs at Halifax.
© 2007 Michael W. Pocock
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