1812: The Navy's War (36 page)
Warren’s strengthening blockade necessitated Commodore Broke’s return from Halifax in late March to patrol off Boston in the 38-gun
Shannon
, accompanied by the 38-gun
Tenedos
, under Captain Sir Hyde Parker. They were part of a powerful squadron that was led by Captain Thomas Bladen in the 74-gun
La Hogue
and included the 38-gun
Nymphe
, under Captain Farmery P. Epworth.
Shannon
, accompanied by the 38-gun
Tenedos
, under Captain Sir Hyde Parker. They were part of a powerful squadron that was led by Captain Thomas Bladen in the 74-gun
La Hogue
and included the 38-gun
Nymphe
, under Captain Farmery P. Epworth.
Bladen was anxious to prevent John Rodgers and the
President
from leaving Boston Harbor, but recurring thick fog gave Rodgers an opening, and on April 23 he stole out to sea unmolested to begin his third cruise of the war, accompanied by the
Congress
(Captain John Smith). Contrary winds kept the two frigates confined to Boston Bay for a few days, but when the wind turned fair, they broke out on the afternoon of May 3. Near the shoal of George’s Bank they passed to windward of the
La Hogue
and the
Nymphe
. Captain Bladen could not catch them, however, and they went on their way, splitting up and cruising singly after May 8.
President
from leaving Boston Harbor, but recurring thick fog gave Rodgers an opening, and on April 23 he stole out to sea unmolested to begin his third cruise of the war, accompanied by the
Congress
(Captain John Smith). Contrary winds kept the two frigates confined to Boston Bay for a few days, but when the wind turned fair, they broke out on the afternoon of May 3. Near the shoal of George’s Bank they passed to windward of the
La Hogue
and the
Nymphe
. Captain Bladen could not catch them, however, and they went on their way, splitting up and cruising singly after May 8.
Having failed to stop the
President
and the
Congress
from putting to sea, Commodore Broke set his sights on the
Chesapeake
, which was preparing to sortie from Boston. He yearned to fight her one-on-one. While he was watching for his chance, the Admiralty, dismayed by American naval victories, was contemplating issuing an order to forbid any frigate from engaging the 44-gun American frigates alone. The order was not issued until July 10, 1813, however, and in any event, it would not have applied to the
Chesapeake
, since she was not among the larger class of American frigates.
President
and the
Congress
from putting to sea, Commodore Broke set his sights on the
Chesapeake
, which was preparing to sortie from Boston. He yearned to fight her one-on-one. While he was watching for his chance, the Admiralty, dismayed by American naval victories, was contemplating issuing an order to forbid any frigate from engaging the 44-gun American frigates alone. The order was not issued until July 10, 1813, however, and in any event, it would not have applied to the
Chesapeake
, since she was not among the larger class of American frigates.
Broke was so anxious for a duel that during the last week of May he wrote a clever, insulting letter to Captain James Lawrence, the
Chesapeake
’s new skipper, challenging him to come out and fight, as if it were an affair of honor between the two men, rather than a battle that was sure to cause dozens of casualties. Broke sent a captured American prisoner to deliver his letter to Lawrence. The prisoner left it at the post office in Charlestown, but Lawrence never received it. The post office delivered it to Bainbridge by mistake, and he passed it on to Secretary Jones. Bainbridge was commandant of the Boston Navy Yard at the time, having turned command of the
Constitution
over to Charles Stewart.
Chesapeake
’s new skipper, challenging him to come out and fight, as if it were an affair of honor between the two men, rather than a battle that was sure to cause dozens of casualties. Broke sent a captured American prisoner to deliver his letter to Lawrence. The prisoner left it at the post office in Charlestown, but Lawrence never received it. The post office delivered it to Bainbridge by mistake, and he passed it on to Secretary Jones. Bainbridge was commandant of the Boston Navy Yard at the time, having turned command of the
Constitution
over to Charles Stewart.
To emphasize how urgently he wanted a single-ship duel, Broke sent the
Tenedoes
away and made the
Shannon
conspicuous by sailing her just outside the harbor in plain view. Captain Lawrence did not need an inducement to fight; he was anxious to have it out with the
Shannon
. When Broke sent his challenge, Lawrence had been in Boston only a few days. He had received orders from Secretary Jones on May 6, directing him to proceed to Boston and take command of the
Chesapeake.
Lawrence arrived in the city on May 18. His assignment was the most important the president had given to the seagoing navy. He was ordered to cruise in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, interdicting supply ships and troop transports making for Quebec, the principal port supplying British land forces in Canada. Madison’s invasion plans for Canada in the spring of 1813 would be helped immeasurably if Lawrence could seriously limit enemy provisions getting through to Quebec.
Tenedoes
away and made the
Shannon
conspicuous by sailing her just outside the harbor in plain view. Captain Lawrence did not need an inducement to fight; he was anxious to have it out with the
Shannon
. When Broke sent his challenge, Lawrence had been in Boston only a few days. He had received orders from Secretary Jones on May 6, directing him to proceed to Boston and take command of the
Chesapeake.
Lawrence arrived in the city on May 18. His assignment was the most important the president had given to the seagoing navy. He was ordered to cruise in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, interdicting supply ships and troop transports making for Quebec, the principal port supplying British land forces in Canada. Madison’s invasion plans for Canada in the spring of 1813 would be helped immeasurably if Lawrence could seriously limit enemy provisions getting through to Quebec.
It had taken Madison and Jones some time before they had settled on a new assignment for Lawrence. Since defeating the
Peacock
in February, he had become a national hero. To begin with, they appointed him commandant of the New York Navy Yard, which allowed him to be home with his wife and child. Jones then gave him command of the
Constitution
—as choice an assignment as the navy had to offer. But a short time later, Jones learned that the
Constitution
was not ready for sea and that the
Chesapeake
’s skipper, Samuel Evans, was seriously ill. Jones wanted the navy’s few warships put into action as soon as possible, and he considered Lawrence an ideal replacement for Evans. On the first of May he ordered Lawrence to take command of the
Chesapeake
, which was in Boston along with the
Constitution
.
Peacock
in February, he had become a national hero. To begin with, they appointed him commandant of the New York Navy Yard, which allowed him to be home with his wife and child. Jones then gave him command of the
Constitution
—as choice an assignment as the navy had to offer. But a short time later, Jones learned that the
Constitution
was not ready for sea and that the
Chesapeake
’s skipper, Samuel Evans, was seriously ill. Jones wanted the navy’s few warships put into action as soon as possible, and he considered Lawrence an ideal replacement for Evans. On the first of May he ordered Lawrence to take command of the
Chesapeake
, which was in Boston along with the
Constitution
.
When he arrived in Boston, Lawrence went right to work, and two days later he reported to Jones that he found the
Chesapeake
“ready for sea.” He also told him that he had tried unsuccessfully to exchange ships with Captain Stewart. Lawrence evidently felt that Jones would have no trouble approving the switch. Despite his preference for the
Constitution
, Lawrence was eager to get to sea and into action, which is exactly what Jones wanted. Lawrence’s old ship, the
Hornet
, was to accompany him, but she was in New York, under James Biddle. Lawrence wrote to Biddle explaining his plans and places of rendezvous. The British were blockading New York, however, and getting to sea would be exceptionally difficult. Lawrence felt that if anyone could get the
Hornet
out, it was Biddle.
Chesapeake
“ready for sea.” He also told him that he had tried unsuccessfully to exchange ships with Captain Stewart. Lawrence evidently felt that Jones would have no trouble approving the switch. Despite his preference for the
Constitution
, Lawrence was eager to get to sea and into action, which is exactly what Jones wanted. Lawrence’s old ship, the
Hornet
, was to accompany him, but she was in New York, under James Biddle. Lawrence wrote to Biddle explaining his plans and places of rendezvous. The British were blockading New York, however, and getting to sea would be exceptionally difficult. Lawrence felt that if anyone could get the
Hornet
out, it was Biddle.
Lawrence was pleased with all of the
Chesapeake
’s young but experienced officers. His first lieutenant was twenty-one-year-old Augustus Ludlow, who had never been first officer on a ship before but was a veteran seaman, having been in the navy since 1804. He had served aboard the
President
, the
Constitution
(where he was promoted to lieutenant), and the
Hornet
, and more importantly, he had been on two cruises in the
Chesapeake
. Ludlow was a replacement for four older officers: Lieutenants Page, Thompson, and Nicholson were sick, and Acting Lieutenant Pierce was such a troublemaker that Lawrence got rid of him immediately, reporting to Jones that Pierce could not get along with anyone in the wardroom. The absence of all these officers required two midshipmen to be promoted to acting lieutenant, William Cox and Edward J. Ballard. Like Ludlow, they were young and new to their jobs, but both had been in the service a long time, had served on the
Chesapeake
, and were ready for their new duties. The second lieutenant was George Budd.
Chesapeake
’s young but experienced officers. His first lieutenant was twenty-one-year-old Augustus Ludlow, who had never been first officer on a ship before but was a veteran seaman, having been in the navy since 1804. He had served aboard the
President
, the
Constitution
(where he was promoted to lieutenant), and the
Hornet
, and more importantly, he had been on two cruises in the
Chesapeake
. Ludlow was a replacement for four older officers: Lieutenants Page, Thompson, and Nicholson were sick, and Acting Lieutenant Pierce was such a troublemaker that Lawrence got rid of him immediately, reporting to Jones that Pierce could not get along with anyone in the wardroom. The absence of all these officers required two midshipmen to be promoted to acting lieutenant, William Cox and Edward J. Ballard. Like Ludlow, they were young and new to their jobs, but both had been in the service a long time, had served on the
Chesapeake
, and were ready for their new duties. The second lieutenant was George Budd.
Lieutenant Ludlow wrote to his brother Charles that the
Chesapeake
was in better condition than he had ever seen her. Furthermore, her crew were all experienced seamen, except for the thirteen powder monkeys. Only 36 of the 379 men aboard were British seamen, and they appeared prepared to fight for their new country. Lawrence and Ludlow felt the crew was every bit as ready as the ship.
Chesapeake
was in better condition than he had ever seen her. Furthermore, her crew were all experienced seamen, except for the thirteen powder monkeys. Only 36 of the 379 men aboard were British seamen, and they appeared prepared to fight for their new country. Lawrence and Ludlow felt the crew was every bit as ready as the ship.
By the thirtieth of May the
Chesapeake
was ready for action, and Lawrence weighed anchor, leaving Boston’s inner harbor and dropping down to President Roads off Long Island at the edge of the harbor, where he could spend a few days making final preparations for sea while keeping an eye out for the blockading squadron. Persistent fog and rain would likely give him enough cover to get to sea. The following morning, fog and rain, which had blanketed the area for the past few days, was still around. Instead of putting to sea, however, Lawrence left the ship and went into town for a luncheon. While he was there, he received word that a single British warship was off Boston Light. Deciding there was no immediate danger, he remained in town that night and rejoined his ship the following day.
Chesapeake
was ready for action, and Lawrence weighed anchor, leaving Boston’s inner harbor and dropping down to President Roads off Long Island at the edge of the harbor, where he could spend a few days making final preparations for sea while keeping an eye out for the blockading squadron. Persistent fog and rain would likely give him enough cover to get to sea. The following morning, fog and rain, which had blanketed the area for the past few days, was still around. Instead of putting to sea, however, Lawrence left the ship and went into town for a luncheon. While he was there, he received word that a single British warship was off Boston Light. Deciding there was no immediate danger, he remained in town that night and rejoined his ship the following day.
When Lawrence came aboard first thing in the morning, Lieutenant Budd reported that the
Shannon
was visible, and, as far as he could tell, she was alone. Lawrence climbed the main rigging to have a look for himself. By then, the weather had cleared. He came back satisfied that she was the
Shannon
. He hailed a pilot boat and sent her out to see if there were other enemy warships about, and then mustered all hands to tell them that if the
Shannon
were alone, he meant to engage her and urged them to do their patriotic duty. Some hands took the occasion to protest that they had not received their prize money from the last cruise, whereupon Lawrence ordered the purser to pay them.
Shannon
was visible, and, as far as he could tell, she was alone. Lawrence climbed the main rigging to have a look for himself. By then, the weather had cleared. He came back satisfied that she was the
Shannon
. He hailed a pilot boat and sent her out to see if there were other enemy warships about, and then mustered all hands to tell them that if the
Shannon
were alone, he meant to engage her and urged them to do their patriotic duty. Some hands took the occasion to protest that they had not received their prize money from the last cruise, whereupon Lawrence ordered the purser to pay them.
In deciding to fight the British ship, Lawrence was disregarding his orders to intercept supplies moving to Quebec. Lawrence’s mission was important to the war effort; he was ignoring it for a chance at personal glory. Even if he succeeded against the
Shannon
, he would have to return to Boston for extensive repairs that might take months, making it impossible to pursue an assignment the president believed was vital. In addition, Lawrence was risking one of the few warships in the American arsenal for no good reason.
Shannon
, he would have to return to Boston for extensive repairs that might take months, making it impossible to pursue an assignment the president believed was vital. In addition, Lawrence was risking one of the few warships in the American arsenal for no good reason.
Going against the clear purport of his orders was not Lawrence’s only problem. Unlike many frigates in His Majesty’s service, the
Shannon
had a skipper who had been in command for seven years and a crew that had been with him for a long time. They were undoubtedly among the best in the Royal Navy. Lawrence would have his hands full.
Shannon
had a skipper who had been in command for seven years and a crew that had been with him for a long time. They were undoubtedly among the best in the Royal Navy. Lawrence would have his hands full.
On Tuesday, June 1, at eight o’clock in the morning, Lawrence ordered the
Chesapeake
unmoored and then went to his cabin and scratched out two letters. To Secretary Jones he wrote, “My crew appear to be in fine spirits, and I trust will do their duty.” The second letter was to his wife’s brother, James Montaudevert. “An English frigate is close in with the lighthouse, and we are now clearing for action. Should I be so unfortunate as to be taken off, I leave my wife and children to your care.”
Chesapeake
unmoored and then went to his cabin and scratched out two letters. To Secretary Jones he wrote, “My crew appear to be in fine spirits, and I trust will do their duty.” The second letter was to his wife’s brother, James Montaudevert. “An English frigate is close in with the lighthouse, and we are now clearing for action. Should I be so unfortunate as to be taken off, I leave my wife and children to your care.”
At noon Lawrence hove out to sea with a light seasonal wind from the southwest. The
Shannon
immediately came into view, looking a bit shabby from having been on blockade duty for weeks. The
Chesapeake
, on the other hand, having just been refurbished, looked brand new.
Shannon
immediately came into view, looking a bit shabby from having been on blockade duty for weeks. The
Chesapeake
, on the other hand, having just been refurbished, looked brand new.
The two ships were evenly matched. The
Chesapeake
had fifty guns and 379 men. Her main battery was twenty-eight long eighteen-pounders on the gun deck, and on the spar deck above, she carried eighteen thirty-two-pound carronades, two long twelves, one long eighteen, and a twelve-pound carronade. The
Shannon
carried fifty-two guns and 330 men. Her main battery was twenty-eight long eighteen-pounders on the gun deck, and on the spar deck she carried sixteen thirty-two-pound carronades, four long nines, one long six, and three twelve-pound carronades. The officers and crews of both ships were experienced seamen, but Broke had a distinct advantage in that he had had command of his excellent crew for many years, while Lawrence was new to his men.
Chesapeake
had fifty guns and 379 men. Her main battery was twenty-eight long eighteen-pounders on the gun deck, and on the spar deck above, she carried eighteen thirty-two-pound carronades, two long twelves, one long eighteen, and a twelve-pound carronade. The
Shannon
carried fifty-two guns and 330 men. Her main battery was twenty-eight long eighteen-pounders on the gun deck, and on the spar deck she carried sixteen thirty-two-pound carronades, four long nines, one long six, and three twelve-pound carronades. The officers and crews of both ships were experienced seamen, but Broke had a distinct advantage in that he had had command of his excellent crew for many years, while Lawrence was new to his men.
The instant the
Chesapeake
hove into sight off Boston Light, Broke and his officers had telescopes trained on her, and when they saw her coming toward them, it was obvious that Lawrence had taken up the challenge. Broke could not have been more pleased. He moved out to a position twelve miles south-southwest of Cape Ann under easy sail. He wanted to be offshore for maneuverability and sufficiently far from Boston that Lawrence would not be aided by other vessels, although, by the look of things, the American captain did not want any help. He was sailing directly at Broke. At 4:30 the
Shannon
lay to with her head to the southeast, having just steerage way, waiting for the
Chesapeake
. Broke was under topsails, topgallants, jib, spanker, and even royals, since he expected the wind to die away. He was taking a big chance, leaving it in Lawrence’s power to begin the action in whatever way he chose.
Chesapeake
hove into sight off Boston Light, Broke and his officers had telescopes trained on her, and when they saw her coming toward them, it was obvious that Lawrence had taken up the challenge. Broke could not have been more pleased. He moved out to a position twelve miles south-southwest of Cape Ann under easy sail. He wanted to be offshore for maneuverability and sufficiently far from Boston that Lawrence would not be aided by other vessels, although, by the look of things, the American captain did not want any help. He was sailing directly at Broke. At 4:30 the
Shannon
lay to with her head to the southeast, having just steerage way, waiting for the
Chesapeake
. Broke was under topsails, topgallants, jib, spanker, and even royals, since he expected the wind to die away. He was taking a big chance, leaving it in Lawrence’s power to begin the action in whatever way he chose.
At five o’clock Lawrence ordered royals and topgallants taken in, and half an hour later, he had the courses hauled up. Under topsails and jibs, he came down fast with the weather gauge. Broke had done nothing to deprive him of it. Lawrence could now sail straight for the
Shannon
’s stern, rake her with a deadly broadside or two, and gain a decisive advantage. Or, since he had more men than Broke, he could drive right up to the
Shannon
, firing as he went, and board. Instead, in what can only be described as a misguided act of chivalry, or a terrible mistake, Lawrence refused to exploit the opening Broke was giving him, and within forty-five minutes he rounded to within pistol shot (less than fifty yards), bringing the
Chesapeake
on a parallel course with the
Shannon
, setting up an artillery duel and playing to Broke’s strength.
Shannon
’s stern, rake her with a deadly broadside or two, and gain a decisive advantage. Or, since he had more men than Broke, he could drive right up to the
Shannon
, firing as he went, and board. Instead, in what can only be described as a misguided act of chivalry, or a terrible mistake, Lawrence refused to exploit the opening Broke was giving him, and within forty-five minutes he rounded to within pistol shot (less than fifty yards), bringing the
Chesapeake
on a parallel course with the
Shannon
, setting up an artillery duel and playing to Broke’s strength.
Because of the initial position Broke deliberately took, he was uncertain what direction Lawrence would take, until he saw the
Chesapeake
luffing up on the
Shannon
’s weather quarter and her foremast coming in a line with the
Shannon
’s mizzen. As she did, Broke fired his after guns and the others successively, until the
Chesapeake
came directly abreast. At that point, Lawrence unleashed his broadside. It was ten minutes to six. With the two ships continuing to run roughly parallel to each other, they unleashed terrifying broadsides, while from the tops their marksmen rained musket balls down on the enemy’s deck. The first shots from the
Shannon
damaged the
Chesapeake
’s rigging, killed the sailing master Mr. White, and wounded Lawrence. Seconds later, full broadsides tore into the
Chesapeake
and cut her foresail tie and jib sheet, rendering her headsails useless. The
Chesapeake
’s broadsides did considerable damage to the
Shannon
as well, but the British ship did not have key officers killed and her captain wounded so early in the fighting, nor have her steering compromised.
Chesapeake
luffing up on the
Shannon
’s weather quarter and her foremast coming in a line with the
Shannon
’s mizzen. As she did, Broke fired his after guns and the others successively, until the
Chesapeake
came directly abreast. At that point, Lawrence unleashed his broadside. It was ten minutes to six. With the two ships continuing to run roughly parallel to each other, they unleashed terrifying broadsides, while from the tops their marksmen rained musket balls down on the enemy’s deck. The first shots from the
Shannon
damaged the
Chesapeake
’s rigging, killed the sailing master Mr. White, and wounded Lawrence. Seconds later, full broadsides tore into the
Chesapeake
and cut her foresail tie and jib sheet, rendering her headsails useless. The
Chesapeake
’s broadsides did considerable damage to the
Shannon
as well, but the British ship did not have key officers killed and her captain wounded so early in the fighting, nor have her steering compromised.
The
Chesapeake
now shot up into the wind uncontrollably, presenting her stern and larboard quarter to the enemy, while making it impossible for Lawrence to bring more than one or two of his own guns to bear. Seeing the
Chesapeake
’s quarter presented to him, Broke unleashed devastating half-raking broadsides that tore into the quarterdeck, killing the men at the wheel and making the
Chesapeake
completely unmanageable. The wind now pushed her back toward the
Shannon
. Expecting the two ships to collide, Lawrence shouted, “Boarders away.” A bugler sounded the call to assemble, and Lieutenant Ludlow took command of them. Just then, a hand-grenade thrown from the
Shannon
landed on one of the
Chesapeake
’s arms chests on the quarter deck, exploding the contents in a terrifying roar. In moments, the
Chesapeake
—in irons, unable to steer—backed into the
Shannon
, her mizzen channels locking in with the
Shannon
’s fore rigging.
Chesapeake
now shot up into the wind uncontrollably, presenting her stern and larboard quarter to the enemy, while making it impossible for Lawrence to bring more than one or two of his own guns to bear. Seeing the
Chesapeake
’s quarter presented to him, Broke unleashed devastating half-raking broadsides that tore into the quarterdeck, killing the men at the wheel and making the
Chesapeake
completely unmanageable. The wind now pushed her back toward the
Shannon
. Expecting the two ships to collide, Lawrence shouted, “Boarders away.” A bugler sounded the call to assemble, and Lieutenant Ludlow took command of them. Just then, a hand-grenade thrown from the
Shannon
landed on one of the
Chesapeake
’s arms chests on the quarter deck, exploding the contents in a terrifying roar. In moments, the
Chesapeake
—in irons, unable to steer—backed into the
Shannon
, her mizzen channels locking in with the
Shannon
’s fore rigging.
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