Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library

H. M. S. Shannon Commencing the Battle with the American Frigate Cheseapeake
1830
Painted on stone by L. Haghe; after J. C. Schetky; published by Smith, Elder and Co.; printed by W. Day; designed by Captain R. H. King
England
Lithograph on paper
overall: 18-1/2"h x 21-3/4"w
Special Acquisitions Fund
75.1.2.1

Colored lithograph (part of a set of four) of the Battle of the HMS Shannon and American frigate Chesapeake on June 1, 1813; painted on stone by L. Haghe after J. C. Schetky, Esquire; designed by Capt. R. H. King R. N.; Published by Smith, Elder and Co.; printed by W. Day; description of plate matted with title of print #1 "H. M. S. Shannon Commencing the Battle with the American Frigate Cheseapeake." The series of four prints is dedicated to Captain Philip Bowes Vere Broke, R.N., Shannon's Commanding Officer.

After being refitted in Boston in April and May 1813, the U.S. frigate Chesapeake set sail on June 1, 1813, under the command of James Lawrence. As the Chesapeake set out, the British vessel Shannon, which had been blockading off Boston, engaged her. The Chesapeake suffered serious damage and casualties, including Captain Lawrence, who was mortally wounded, but gave as his final order, "Don't give up the ship!" Chesapeake was boarded by the British and captured. This print, first in the series of four, shows the beginning of the battle.