Little Known Facts About the First Barbary War-- Part 4: James Lawrence "Don't Give Up the Ship"

JAMES LAWRENCE also rose to great fame during the War of 1812.  As commander of the USS Hornet, he captured the HMS Peacock and was promoted to captain.  On June 1, 1813, as commander of the 48-gun frigate USS Chesapeake, he fought the HMS Shannon and was mortally wounded.  As he lay dying, he told his men:  "Tell them to fire faster and not give up the ship, fight her till she sinks!"

In honor of Lawrence, a group of women stitched the words "Don't Give Up the Ship" into a flag and presented it to Oliver Hazard Perry, who flew it on his USS Lawrence named in Lawrence's honor in the pivotal Battle of Lake Erie.

Since then, the Navy has named many ships in Lawrence's honor and his words, "Don't Give Up the Ship" have become the motto of the U.S. Navy.

--Cooter

Little Known Facts About the First Barbary War-- Part 3: Thomas Macdonough and Charles Morris

NAVAL HEROES:  Many naval men served, but four especially stand out.

Midshipman THOMAS MACDONOUGH who later was a hero in the War of 1812 for his role in the American victory at the Battle of Plattsburgh / Lake Champlain when his naval force destroyed the British fleet.

CHARLES MORRIS  who went on to serve as 1st lieutenant on the USS Constitution in its battle against the HMS Guerriere.  He was promoted to captain after this and later commanded the frigates USS Adams and Congress.

Next, James  Lawrence  --Cooter