The first Chesapeake , a 38-gun frigate, was launched 2 December 1799 by Gosport Navy Yard (Virginia) and commissioned early in the following year, Captain J. Barron in command.
Chesapeake sailed from Norfolk 6 June 1800 to join the squadron patrolling off the southern coast of the United States and in the West Indies during the Quasi-War with France. During this cruise, she took as prize the French privateer La Jeune Creole on 1 January 1801.
One of the handful of ships retained in the Navy at the close of the war, Chesapeake was in ordinary at Norfolk during most of 1801, then was readied for her departure from Hampton Roads on 27 April 1802, bound for the Mediterranean as flagship for Commodore Richard V. Morris. Here she led in the blockade of Tripoli and convoyed American merchantmen until 6 April 1803, when she departed Gibraltar for America. Arriving at Washington Navy Yard 1 June, Chesapeake was placed in ordinary.
As tension mounted over violations of American neutrality and the practice of impressment of American seamen by the British, Chesapeake was prepared for patrol and convoy duty, and late in June 1807 stood out of Hampton Roads, passing a British squadron operating in the area to intercept French ships then at Annapolis. One of the squadron, HMS Leopard followed Chesapeake to sea, and on 22 June, when Chesapeake 's captain properly refused to allow search for British deserters, Leopard fired on the unready Chesapeake , killing three men, wounding 18, including the captain, damaging the ship severely, and carried off four men. The frigate returned to Norfolk for repairs, and then with Captain Stephen Decatur in command, cruised off the New England coast enforcing the embargo laws.
With the outbreak of the War of 1812, for which Chesapeake 's encounter with Leopard was one of a number of emotional preparations, Chesapeake was outfitted at Boston for a lengthy Atlantic cruise. Between 13 December 1812 and 9 April 1813, she ranged from the West Indies to Africa, taking as prizes five British merchantmen, and through skillful seamanship, evading the pursuit of a British 74.
At Boston, Captain J. Lawrence took command of Chesapeake 20 May 1813, and on 1 June, put to sea to meet HMS Shannon (38), (rated as one of the best led and crewed frigates in the Royal Navy) whose written challenge had just missed Chesapeake 's sailing. With a new untrained crew, Lawrence courageously but unwisely engaged Shannon, and suffered the misfortune of having Chesapeake 's rigging cut away in the early exchange of broadsides in such a manner that she lost maneuverability. Lawrence, himself, was mortally wounded, and was carried below. The valiant crew struggled to carry out their captain's last order, "Don't give up the ship!", but were overwhelmed. Contrary to popular belief, the American crew put up a stiff fight, the Shannon's captain was so severely injured by a cutlass blow to the head, he was forced to retire from naval service. Chesapeake was taken to Halifax for repairs, and later was taken into the Royal Navy. She was sold at Plymouth, England, in 1820, and broken up.
"On the 22d Febry it being the day after we left Algiers: Mrs. Low (wife to James Low Captain of the Forecastle) bore a son, in the Boatswain's Store Room: on the 31st inst. (March). The babe was baptiz'd in the Midshipmen's apartment: the Contriver of this business, was Melancthon Taylor Woolsey a Mid: who stood Godfather on the occasion & provided a handsome collation of Wine & Fruit: Mrs Low being unwell Mrs Hays the Gunner's Lady officiated: Divine Service by Rev. Alex McFarlan. The childs name Melancthon Woolsey Low: - All was conducted with true decorum & decency no doubt to the great satisfaction of the parents, as Mr. Woolsey's attention to them must in some measure have ameliorated the unhappy situation of the Lady who was so unfortunate to conceive & bare, on the Salt Sea. NB. The other Ladies of the Bayviz. Mrs. Watson: the Boatswain's Wife, Mrs. Myres the Carpenter's Lady with Mrs. Crosby the corporal's Lady: got drunk in their own Quarters out of pure spite not being invited to celebrate the Christening of Melancthon Woolsey Low."
Wondering if these women went out from or returned to the United States in the Chesapeake an investigation was made with the following results:
No list of passengers was found. James Low, seaman on board the U.S.S. Chesapeake in the Mediterranean, returned home in her and was detached at Washington D.C., in June, 1803. James Watson, boatswain, Robert Myres, carpenter, and John Hayes, gunner, also returned at that time. There were 88 supernumeraries on board according to the rolls of the ship but none of them appear to be women and the name of the infant Melancthon Woolsey Low is not found on the list.
The Mediterranean Squadron was plagued at that time with the problem of American sailors marrying native women and it is quite possible that that is what these men had done. Regulations issued in January, 1802, which was prior to the date on which the Chesapeake sailed for the Mediterranean, forbad the carrying of any women to sea without orders from the Navy Office, or the commander of the squadron, but women were allowed to come on board when the ship was in port.
Source: Document in folder, Women in the Navy Folder, ZV files, Box 13, Operational Archives Branch, Naval Historical Center, Washington, DC.
Capt. James Lawrence USN had been promoted from commander after his USS HORNET captured HMS PEACOCK on 24 February 1812. His wife was seriously ill and he did not want the appointment to command the USS CHESAPEAKE which was under repair at Boston together with CONSTITUTION,CONGRESS and PRESIDENT
Capt. Philip Vere Broke RN of HMS SHANNON was about 4 years older than the American and had held post rank since 1801.
SHANNON and TENEDOS had been keeping a close watch on Boston harbour since early April 1813, but PRESIDENT and CONGRESS managed to escape. On 25 May Broke took supplies from TENEDOS and detached her to return after 14 June. Seven days later he addressed a letter to Capt. Lawrence and sent it ashore by a Mr Slocum, one of the 13 American prisoners on board. The letter challenged CHESAPEAKE to a single ship-to-ship combat. Mr Slocum`s boat had not reached the shore when CHESAPEAKE got under way from her anchorage in President Roads at about 1 pm.
The unfortunate death of captain James Lawrence, and lieutenant Augustus C. Ludlow, has rendered it my duty to inform you of the capture of the late United States' frigate CHESAPEAKE.
On Tuesday, June 1st, at 8 AM we unmoored ship, and at meridian got under weigh from President's Roads, with a light wind from the southward and westward, and proceeded on a cruise. A ship was then in sight in the offing, which had the appearance of a ship of war, and which, from information received from pilot-boats and craft, we believed to be the British frigate SHANNON. We made sail in chase, and cleared ship for action. At half past 4 PM she hove to with her head to the southward and eastward. At 5 PM took in the royals and top-gallant sails, and at half past 5, hauled the courses up. About 15 minutes befoe 6 PM the action commenced within pistol shot. The first broadside did great execution on both sides, damaged our rigging, killed, among others, Mr. White the sailing master, and wounded captain Lawrence. In about 12 minutes after the commencement of the action, we fell on board of the enemy, and immediately after, one of our arm chests on the quarter-deck was blown up by a hand-grenade thrown from the enemy's ship. In a few minutes, one of the captain's aids came on the gun-deck to inform me that the boarders were called. I immediately called the boarders away, and proceeded to the spar-deck, where I found that the enemy had succeeded in boarding us, and gained possession of our quarter deck. I immediately gave orders to haul on board the fore-tack, for the purpose of shooting the ship clear of the other, and then made an attempt to re-gain the quarter-deck, but was wounded and thrown down on the gun-deck. I again made an effort to collect the boarders, but in the mean time the enemy had gained complete possession of the ship. On my being carried down in the cockpit, I there found captain Lawrence and lieutenant Ludlow, both mortally wounded; the former had been carried below, previously to the ship's being boarded; the latter was wounded in attempting to repel the boarders. Among those who fell early in the action, was Mr. Edward J. Ballard, the 4th lieutenant, and lieutenant James Broom, of marines.
I herein enclose you a return of the killed and wounded, by which you will perceive that every officer, upon whom the charge of the ship would devolve, was either killed or wounded, previously to her capture. The enemy report the loss of Mr. Watt, their first lieutenant, the purser, the captain's clerk, and 23 seamen killed; and captain Broke, a midshipman, and 56 seamen wounded.
I consider myself bound to lay before you, what came under my knowledge, while on board the CHESAPEAKE, as well as on board the SHANNON.
After the enemy had completely possession of the ship, midshipmen Randolph and Flushman were ordered from the fore and main-top. In coming down the shrouds, lieutenant Faulkner, (the British officer) said to his men, kill those damned rascals. Then, and immediately, several muskets were discharged at them, but without effect. My station was in the mizen-top, where I had an opportunity of seeing their actions. I was looking on deck, when I saw one of the CHESAPEAKE'S men crawling along, attempting to get below, with one of his legs off. One of the enemy stepped up to him with his cutlass, and immediately put an end to his existence.
Lieutenant Faulkner looked up in the mizen-top; pointed at me,-said to his men, go up, three of you, and throw that damned yankee overboard. They immediately rushed up, seizing me by the collar; now, said they, you damned yankee, you shall swim for it, attempting to throw me overboard; but I got within the rigging, when one of them kicked me in the breast, which was the cause of my falling; being stunned by the fall, I lay some time senseless, and when I came to, I was cut over the head with a cutlass, which nearly terminated my existence. Eleven of our midshipmen were confined in a small place, nine feet by six, with an old sail to lie on, and a guard at the door, until a day or two before our arrival at Halifax; and likewise eleven of us upon five rations, and some days only one meal. Our clothes were taken on board of the SHANNON; lieutenant Wallis, the commanding officer on board, would not let us take our clothes below with us, but pledged his word and honour as an officer, we should receive our clothes. But we discovered next morning that their midshipmen had on our clothes and side-arms. We were conversing together respecting our clothes, one of their midshipmen overheard our conversation, and made report to the lieutenant commanding. He then sent word to us, that if we said any thing more about the clothes, he would put us in the forehold with the men. We expected to receive our clothes when we arrived in port; but I assure you, sir, nothing was ever restored. Other rascally things occurred, which our officers will, when they return, make known to the public, disgraceful to a civilized nation. If your request could have been made sooner, I should have felt gratified in making a fuller statement.
Extracted from the records of the British Admiralty by Harrison Scott Baker II
Among the captains of British 38-gun frigates who longed, ardently longed, for a meeting with one of the American 44's, was Captain Philip Bowes Vere Broke, of the Shannon. This desire was not founded on any wish for a display of personal valour, but in order to show the world what apparent wonders cloud be effected, where the ship and the crew were in all respects fitted for battle. It was not since the late American war that Captain Broke had begun to put his frigate in fighting order, and to teach his men the art of attack and defence. from the day on which Captain Broke had joined her, the 14 of September, 1806, the Shannon began to feel the influence of her captain's proficiency as a gunner and zeal for the service.
The laying of a ship's ordnance, so that it may be correctly fired in a horizontal direction, is justly deemed a most important operation; as upon it depends, in a great measure, the true aim and destructive effect of every future shot she may fire. On board the Shannon, at her first outfit, this was attended to by Captain Broke in person; and his ingenious mode of laying ship's ordnance has since received the highest commendation. By draughts from other ships, and the usual means to which a British man-of-war is obliged to resort, the Shannon got together a crew: and, in the course of a year or two, by the paternal care and excellent regulations of Captain Broke, an undersized, not very well disposed, and, in point of age, rather motley, ship's company became as pleasant to command as they would have been dangerous to meet. In August 1811 the Shannon sailed for the coast of North America; and, had this frigate, in the excellent order in which she was kept, met the Constitution in August 1812, we verily believe- But the Shannon and the Constitution did not meet; therefore the thing was not tried. On the 21st of March 1813, accompanied by the Tenedos, of the same force, and kept in nearly the same order, Captain Hyde Parker, the Shannon sailed from Halifax on a cruise in Boston bay. On the 2nd of April the two frigates reconnoitred the harbour of Boston, and saw the President and Congress, the latter quite, and the former nearly ready for sea.
The Constitution was at the same time undergoing a large repair; and her decks were lowered, to render her more snug, and give her a smaller, and more inviting appearance. Captains Broke and Parker having resolved, if in their power, to bring the President and Congress to action, the Shannon and Tenedos took a station to intercept them. In this interval that the Chesapeake escaped into port in the manner related; and on the 1st of May, foggy weather and a sudden favourable shift of wind, enabled the President and Congress to elude the vigilance of the two British frigates and put to sea. Captains Broke and Parker very soon discovered the chance they had missed, and sadly disappointed they were.
There now remained in Boston only the Constitution and Chesapeake. The first, as has been stated, was undergoing a serious repair; but the Chesapeake had only to get in her main and mizzen masts, and would be ready for sea in a week or two. Having obtained a furlough to enjoy his share of prize-money, Captain Evans was succeeded in command of the Chesapeake by Captain James Lawrence, the late fortunate, highly applauded, and, we readily admit, truly gallant commander of the Hornet.
As the two frigates were not required to attack one, and as the appearance of such a superiority would naturally prevent the Chesapeake from putting to sea, Captain Broke, on the 25th of May, took a supply of water and provisions from the Tenedos, and detached her, with orders to Captain Parker not to join him before the 14th of June; by which time, it was hoped, the business would be over. On the 26th the Shannon recaptured the brig Lucy, and on the 29th the brig William, both of Halifax. Aware of the state if incapacity to which some of the British frigates on the station had reduced themselves, by manning and sending in their prizes, Captain Broke destroyed all he captured.
We believe he had sacrificed not fewer than 25 sail of prizes, to keep the Shannon in a state to meet one or the other of the American frigates. Being resolved to have a meeting with the Chesapeake, nothing but the circumstances of the two recaptures belonging to Halifax could induce Captain Broke to weaken the Shannon's crew by sending them in. The master of the Lucy, assisted by five recaptured seamen belonging to some ship on the station, carried in that vessel; and a midshipman and four of the Shannon's men took charge of the William. On the 29th, in the afternoon, the Shannon boarded the Nova Scotia privateer the brig Sir John Sherbrooke, and took from her 22 Irish labourers, whom the brig, three days before, with 30 more (then volunteers on board herself), had recaptured in a prize belonging to the American privateer Governor Plumer; bound, when the latter fell in with her, from Waterford to Burin, Newfoundland.
Before we proceed further, let us show what guns were mounted by the two frigates, whose mutual animosity was on the eve of being quenched by the capture of one of them. On her main deck, the Shannon was armed the same as every other British frigate of her class, and her established guns on the quarter-deck and forecastle were 16 carronades, 32-pounders, and four long 9-pounders, total 48 guns. But Captain Broke had since had mounted a 12-pounder boat-carronade through a port purposely made on the starboard side of the quarter-deck, and a brass long 6-pounder, used generally as an exercise gun, through a similar port on the larboard side; besides which there were two 12-pounder carronades, mounted as standing stern-chasers through the quarter-deck stern-ports. For these last four guns, one 32-pounder carronade would have been more than an equivalent. However, as a 6-pounder counts as well as a 32-pounder, the Shannon certainly mounted 53 carriage-guns. The ship had also, to be in that respect upon a par with the American frigates, one swivel in the fore, and another in the main top.
The armament of the Chesapeake, we have already on more than one occasion described: she had at this time, as afterwards found on board of her, 28 long 18-pounders on the main deck, and 20 carronades, 32-pounders, and one long shifting 18-pounder, on the quarter-deck and forecastle, total 49 guns; exclusively of a 12-pounder boat-carronade, belonging to which there was a very simple and well-contrived elevating carriage for firing at the tops, but it is doubtful if the gun was used. Five guns, four 32-pounder carronades and one long 18-pounder, had it was understood, been landed at Boston. Some have alleged, that this was done by Captain Lawrence, that he might not have a numerical superiority over his antagonists of the British 38-gun class: others say, and we incline to be of that opinion, that the reduction was ordered by the American government, to ease the ship, whose hull had already begun to hog, or to arch in the centre.
On the 1st of June, early in the morning, having received no answer to several verbal messages sent in, and being doubtful if any of them had even been delivered, Captain Broke addressed to the commanding officer of the Chesapeake a letter of challenge, which, for candour, manly spirit, and gentlemanly style stands unparalleled. the letter begins: "As the Chesapeake appears now ready for sea, I request you will do me the favour to meet the Shannon with her, ship to ship, to try the fortune of our respective flags." The Shannon's force is thus described: "The Shannon mounts 24 guns upon her broadside, and one light boat-gun, 18-pounders upon her main deck, and 32-pound carronades on her quarter-deck and forecastle, and is manned with a complement of 300 men and boys (a large proportion of the latter), besides 30 seamen, boys, and passengers, who were taken out of recaptured vessels lately".
After fixing the place of meeting, and providing against all interruption, Captain Broke concludes thus: "I entreat you, sir, not to imagine that I am urged by mere personal vanity to the wish of meeting the Chesapeake; or that I depend only upon your personal ambition for your acceding to this invitation. We have both nobler motives. You will feel it as a compliment if I say, that the result of our meeting may be the most grateful; service I can render to my country; and I doubt not that you, equally confident of success, will feel convinced, that it is only by repeated triumphs in even combats that your little navy can now hope to console your country for the loss of that trade it can no longer protect. Favour me with a speedy reply. We are short of provision and water, and cannot stay long here."
This letter Captain Broke intrusted to a Captain Slocum, a discharged prisoner, then about to proceed, in his own boat, to Marblehead, a port a few miles to the north of Boston. Shortly afterwards the Shannon, with colours flying, stood in close to Boston lighthouse, and lay to. The Chesapeake was now seen at anchor in the President roads, with royal yards across and apparently ready for sea. The American frigate presently loosed her fore topsail, and, shortly afterwards, all her topsails, and sheeted them home. The wind, blowing a light breeze from west by north, was perfectly fair. At about 30 minutes past noon, while the men of the Shannon were at dinner, Captain Broke went himself to the masthead, and there observed the Chesapeake fire a gun, and loose and set topgallant sails. The American frigate was soon under way, and made more sail as she came down, having in her company numerous sailing pleasure-boats, besides a large schooner gun-boat, with, we believe, Commodores Bainbridge and Hull, and several other American naval officers on board.
While at the Shannon's masthead, Captain Broke saw that Captain Slocum's boat had not reached the shore in time for the delivery of his letter of challenge to the commander of the Chesapeake. Notwithstanding this, there cannot be a doubt, that Captain Lawrence had obtained the consent of Commodore Bainbridge (whose orders from the government at Washington were to despatch the Chesapeake to sea as soon as she was ready), to sail and attack the Shannon, in compliance with one or more of the verbal challenges which had been sent in.
It was natural for the conqueror of the Peacock to wish for an opportunity to capture or drive away a British ship that had repeatedly lay to off the port, and, in view of all the citizens, had used every endeavour to provoke the Chesapeake to come out and engage her.At 0h. 55m P.M., Cape Ann bearing north-north-east, half-east distant 10 or 12 miles, the Shannon filled, and stood out from the land under easy sail. At 1 P.M. the Chesapeake rounded the lighthouse under all sail; and at 3h. 40m. P.M. hauled up, and fired a gun, as if in defiance; or, perhaps, to induce the Shannon to stop, and allow the gun-vessel; and pleasure-boat spectators an opportunity of witnessing how speedily an American, could "whip" a British frigate. Presently afterwards the Shannon did haul up, and reefed topsails.
At 4p.m. both ships, now about seven miles apart, again bore away: the Shannon with her foresail clewed up, and her main topsail braced flat and shivering, that the Chesapeake might overtake her.At 4h.50m. the Chesapeake took in her studding-sails, topgallant-sails, and royals, and got her royal-yards on deck. At 5h.10m. p.m., Boston lighthouse bearing west distant about six leagues, the Shannon's again hauled up, with head to the southward and eastward, and lay to, under topsails, topgallant-sails, jib, and spanker.
At 5h. 25m. the Chesapeake hauled up her foresail, and, with three ensigns flying, one at the mizenroyalmast-head, one at the peak, and one, the largest of all, in the starboard main rigging, steered straight for the Shannon's starboard quarter. The Chesapeake had also, flying at fore, a large white flag, inscribed with the words: Sailor's Rights and Free Trade; upon a supposition, perhaps, that this favourite American motto would paralyse the efforts, or damp the energy of the Shannon's men.
The Shannon had a union-jack at the fore, an old rusty blue ensign at the mizen-peak, and, rolled up and stopped, ready to be cast loose if either of these should be shot away, one ensign on the main stay and another in the main rigging. Nor, standing much in need of paint, was her outside appearance at all calculated to inspire a belief of the order and discipline which reigned within. At 5h. 30. p.m., to be under command, and ready to wear if necessary, in the prevailing light breeze, the Shannon filled her main topsail and kept a close luff; but, at the end of a few minutes, having gathered way enough, she again shook the wind out of the sail, and kept it shivering, and also brailed up her driver. Thinking it not unlikely that the Chesapeake would pass under the Shannon's stern, and engage her on the larboard side, Captain Broke divided his men, and directed such as could not fire with effect to be prepared to lie down as the enemy's ship passed. But, either overlooking or waving this advantage, Captain Lawrence, at 5h. 40m., gallantly luffed up, within about 50 yards, upon the Shannon's starboard quarter, and, squaring his main-yard, gave three cheers
The Shannon's guns were loaded thus: the after most main-deck gun with two round shot and a keg containing 159 musket-balls, the next gun with one round and one double-headed shot, and so alternately along the broadside. [Sir Howard Douglas, in Naval Gunnery, says he was informed by the first-lieutenant of the Shannon that this was an error, for no kegs of musket-balls and no double-headed shot were used but the main deck guns were loaded alternately with two round shot and one round shot and grape.]
The Captain of the 14th gun, William Mindham, had been ordered to fire, the moment his gun would bear into the Chesapeake's second main-deck port from forward. At 5h. 50m. p.m. the Shannon's after most main-deck gun was fired, and the shot was seen to strike close to the port at which it was aimed. In a second or so the 13th gun was fired; then the Chesapeake's bow-gun went off; and then the remaining guns on the broadside of each ship as fast as they could be discharged. At 5h. 53m. p.m., finding that owing to the quantity of way in the Chesapeake, and the calm she produced in the Shannon's sails, he was ranging too far ahead; and, being desirous to preserve the weather -gage in order to have an opportunity of crippling the Shannonby dismantling shot, Captain Lawrence hauled up a little.
At 5h. 56m., having had her jib-sheet and fore topsail-tie shot away, and her helm, probably from the death of the men stationed at it, being for the moment unattended to, the Chesapeake came so sharp to the wind as to completely deaden her way; and the ship lay, in consequence, with her stern quarter exposed to her opponent's broadside. The shot from the Shannon's after most guns now took a diagonal direction along the decks of the Chesapeake; beating in her stern-ports, and sweeping the men from their quarters. The shot from the Shannon's foremost guns, at the same time, entering the Chesapeake's ports from the main mast aft, did considerable execution.
At 5h. 58.m an open cask of musket cartridges, standing upon the Chesapeake's cabin skylight for the use of marines, caught fire and blew up, but did no injury whatever. Even the spanker-boom, directly in the way of the explosion was barely singed. As the Shannonhad by this time fallen off a little, and the manoeuvres of the Chesapeake indicated an intention to haul away, Captain Broke ordered the helm to be put a-lee; but scarcely had the Shannon luffed up in obedience to her helm than the Chesapeake was observed to have stern way, and to be paying round off. The Shannon immediately shifted her helm a-starboard, and shivered her mizentopsail, to keep off the wind again, and delay the boarding, probably until her guns had done a little more execution among the crew, supposed to be at least a fourth superior in number. At that moment, however, the Shannon had her jib-stay shot away; and her head-sails being becalmed, she went off very slowly.
The consequence was, that, at 6p.m., the Chesapeake fell on board the Shannon, with her quarter pressing on the latter's side, just before her starboard main-chains. The Chesapeake's foresail being at this moment partly loose, owing to the weather clew-garnet having been shot away from the bitts, the American forged a little ahead, but was presently stopped, by hooking, with her quarter-port, the fluke of the Shannon's anchor stowed over the chess-tree. Captain Broke now ran forward; and observing the Chesapeake's men deserting the quarter-guns, he ordered the two ships to be lashed together, the great guns to cease firing, the main-deck boarders to be called, and Lieutenant George Thomas L. Watt, the first-lieutenant, to bring up the quarter-deck men, who were all boarders.
While zealously employed outside the bulwark of the Shannon, making the Chesapeake's fast to her, the veteran boatswain, Mr. Stevens (he had fought in Rodney's action), had his left arm hacked off with repeated sabre cuts and was mortally wounded by musketry. The midshipman commanding the forecastle, Mr. Samwell, was also mortally wounded. Accompanied by the remaining forecastle party, about 20 in number, Captain Broke, at 6h. 2m. p.m., stepped from the Shannon's gangway-rail, just abaft the fore-rigging, on the muzzle of the Chesapeake's after most carronade, and thence, over the bulwark, upon her quarter-deck, here not an officer or man was to be seen.
Upon the Chesapeake's gangways, about 25 or 30 Americans made a slight resistance. These were quickly driven towards the forecastle, where a few endeavoured to get down the fore hatchway, but in their eagerness, prevented each other. Several fled over the bows; and while part, as it is believed, plunged into the sea, another part reached the main deck through the bridle-ports. The remainder laid down their arms and submitted.
Lieutenant Watt, with several quarter-deck men, sergeant Richard Molyneux, corporal George Osborne, and the first division of marines; also Lieutenant Charles Leslie Falkiner, third of the Shannon, with a division of the main-deck boarders, quickly followed Captain Broke and his small party. Lieutenant Watt, just as he had stepped on the Chesapeake's taffrail, was shot through the foot by a musket-ball fired from the mizentop, and dropped on his knee on the quarter-deck; but quickly rising up, he ordered Lieutenant of marines James Johns to point one of the Shannon's 9-pounders at the enemy's top
In the mean time Lieutenant Falkiner and the marines, with the second division of which Lieutenant John Law had now arrived, rushed forward; and, while one party kept down the men who were ascending the main hatchway, another party answered the destructive fire still continued from the main and mizzen tops. TheChesapeake's main top was presently stormed by midshipman William Smith and his top-men, about five in number; who either destroyed or drove on deck all the Americans there stationed. This gallant young man had deliberately passed along the Shannon's fore-yard, which was braced up to the Chesapeake's main-yard, which was nearly square; and thence into her top. All further annoyance from the Chesapeake's mizzen top had also been put a stop to by another of the Shannon's midshipmen, Mr. Cosnahan, who, from the starboard main-yard arm, had fired at the Americans, so fast as his men in the top could load the muskets and hand them to him.
After the Americans on the forecastle had submitted, Captain Broke ordered one of his men to stand sentry over them, and then sent most of the others aft where the conflict was most going on. He was in the act of giving them orders to answer the fire from the Chesapeake's maintop (this was just before Mr. Smith's gallant and successful exploit), when the sentry called lustily out to him. On turning round, the Captain found himself opposed by three Americans; who, seeing they were superior to the British then near them, had armed themselves afresh. Captain Broke parried the middle fellow's pike, and wounded him in the face; but instantly received from the man on the pikemans's right, a blow with the but-end of a musket, which bared his skull, and nearly stunned him. Determined to finish the British commander, the third man cut him down with his broadsword, but at that very instant, was himself cut down by Mindham, the Shannon's seaman, already known to us Captain Broke was not the only sufferer upon this occasion: one of his men was killed, and two or three were badly wounded.
Can it be wondered, if all that were concerned in this breach of faith fell victims to the indignation of the Shannon's men? It was as much as Captain Broke could do, to save from their fury a young midshipman, who having slid down a rope from the Chesapeake's foretop, begged his protection. Mr. Smith, who had just at that moment descended from the maintop, assisted Mindham and another of the Shannon's men in helping the Captain on his legs. While in the act of tying a handkerchief round his commander's head, Mindham, pointing aft, called out, "There, sir, there goes up the old ensign over the Yankee colours."
Captain Broke saw it hoisting (with what feelings can be well imagined), and was instantly led to the Chesapeake's quarter-deck, where he seated himself upon one of the carronade-slides. The act of changing the Chesapeake's colours had proved fatal to the gallant British officer, and to four or five fine fellows of the Shannon's crew. We left Lieutenant Watt, just as, having raised himself on his legs after his wound, he was hailing the Shannon to fire at the Chesapeake's mizentop. He then called for an English ensign; and , hauling down the American ensign, bent, owing to the halliards being tangled, the English flag below instead of above it. A few seconds before this, the Chesapeake's quarter gallery had given way, and the two ships were gradually separating. Observing the American stripes going up first, the Shannon's people re-opened their fire; and directing their guns with their accustomed precision at the lower part of the Chesapeake's mizzenmast, killed their own first-lieutenant (a grapeshot took off the upper part of his head) and four or five of their comrades. Before the flags had got half-way to the mizen-peak, they were lowered down and hoisted properly; and the aggrieved and mortified men of the Chesapeake ceased their fire.
An unexpected fire of musketry, opened by the Americans who had fled to the hold, killed a fine young marine, William Young. On this, Lieutenant Falkiner, who was sitting on the booms, very properly directed three or four muskets, that were ready, to be fired down. Captain Broke, from his seat upon the carronade-slide, told Lieutenant Falkiner to summon the Americans in the hold to surrender, if they desired quarter. The lieutenant did so. The Americans replied, "We surrender"; and all hostilities ceased. The Shannon was now about 100 yards astern of the Chesapeake, or rather upon her larboard quarter. To enable the Shannon to close, Captain Broke ordered the Chesapeake's mainyard to be braced flat aback, and her foresail to be hauled close up. Almost immediately after-wards Captain Broke's senses failed him from loss of blood; and the Shannon's jolly-boat just then arriving with a fresh supply of men, he was conveyed on board his own ship.
Between the discharge of the first gun, and the period of Captain Brokes's boarding, 11 minutes only elapsed; and in four minutes more the Chesapeake was completely his.Now for the damage and loss of men sustained by the respective combatants. Five shot passed through the Shannon; one only below the main deck. Of several round shot that struck her, the greater part lodged in the side, ranged in a line just above the copper. A bar-shot entered a little below the water-mark, leaving a foot or 18 inches of one end sticking out. Until her shot-holes were stopped, the Shannon made a good deal of water upon the larboard tack; but, upon the other, not more than usual. Her fore and main masts were slightly injured by shot; and her bowsprit (previously sprung) and mizzenmast were badly wounded. No other spar was damaged. Her shrouds on the starboard side were cut almost to pieces; but from her perfect state aloft, the Shannon, at a moderate distance, appeared to have suffered very little in action.
Out of a crew, including eight recaptured seamen and 22 Irish labourers two days out only in the ship, of 306 men and 24 boys, the Shannon's lost, besides her first-lieutenant, her purser (George Aldham), Captain's clerk (John Dunn), 13 seamen, four marines, three supernumeraries, and one boy killed, her Captain (severely), boatswain (William Stevens, mortally), one midshipman (John Samwell, mortally) and 56 seamen, marines, and supernumeraries wounded: total, 24 killed and 59 wounded. The Chesapeake was severely battered in her hull, on the larboard quarter particularly. A shot passed through one of her transoms, equal in stoutness to a 64-gun ship's; and several shot entered the stern windows.
She had two main-deck guns and one carronade entirely disabled. One 32-pounder carronade was also dismounted, and several carriages and slides broken. her three lower masts, the main and mizzen masts especially, were badly wounded. The bowsprit received no injury; nor was a spar of any kind shot away. her lower rigging and stays were a good deal cut; but neither masts nor rigging were so damaged that they could not be repaired, if necessary, without the ships going into port.
Out of a crew of at least 381 men and five boys or lads, the Chesapeake, as acknowledged by her surviving commanding officer, lost her fourth-lieutenant (Edward I. Ballard), master (William A. White), one lieutenant of marines (James Broom), three midshipmen, and 41 petty officers, seamen, and marines killed, her gallant commander and first-lieutenant (both mortally), her second and third lieutenants (George Budd and William L. Cox), acting chaplain (Samuel Livermore), five midshipmen, her boatswain (mortally), and 95 petty officers, seamen, and marines wounded: total, 47 killed and 99 wounded, 14 of the latter mortally. This is according to the American official account; but, it must be added, that the total that reported themselves, including several slightly wounded, to the Shannon's surgeon, three days after the action were 115; and the Chesapeake's surgeon wrote from Halifax, that he estimated the whole number of killed and wounded at from 160 to 170.
Of the Chesapeake's guns we have already given a full account; it only remains to point out, that the ship had three spare ports of a side on the forecastle, through which to fight her shifting long 18-pounder and 12-pounder boat-carronade. The former is admitted to have been used in that way; but, as there is some doubt whether the carronade was used, we shall reject it from the broadside forever. This leaves 25 guns, precisely the number mounted by the Shannon on her broadside. The accuracy of Captain Broke's statement of his ship's force is, indeed, worthy of remark: he even slightly overrated it, because he represented all his guns of a side on the upper deck, except the boat-gun, as 32-pounder carronades, when two of the number were long nines.
SHANNON, Halifax, June 6 1813
Sir, -- I have the honour to inform you, that being close in with Boston light-house in H.M.S. under my command, on the 1st inst. I had the pleasure of seeing the US frigate CHESAPEAKE (whom we had long been waching) was coming out of the harbour to engage the SHANNON; I took a position between Cape Ann and Cape Cod and then hove-to for him to join us. The enemy came down in a very handsome manner, having three American ensigns flying. (NOTE. she also had, at the fore, a large white flag with the words "Free Trade and Sailors` Rights); when closing with us he sent down his royal-yards.I kept SHANNON`s up, expecting the breeze would die away.
At half past 5 PM the enemy hauled up within hail of us on the starboard side, and the battle began, both ships steering full under their topsails; after exchanging between two and three broadsides, the enemy`s ship fell on board us, her mizen channels locking in with our fore rigging. I went forward to ascertain her position; and observing the enemy were flinching from their guns, I gave orders to prepare for boarding. Our gallant hands appointed to the service immediately rushed in, under their respective officers, upon the enemy`s decks, driving everything before them with irresistible fury. The enemy made a desperate but disorderly resistance. The firing continued at all the gangways, and between the tops, but in two minutes time the enemy were driven sword in hand from every post. The American flag was hauled down and the proud British Union floated triumphant over it.In another minute they ceased firing from below and called for quarter. The whole of this service was achieved in 15 minutes from the commencement of the action.I have to lament the loss of many of my ship-mates, but they fell exulting in their conquest. My brave first Lieutenant, Mr Watt, was slain in the moment of victory, in the act of hoisting the British colours; his death is a severe loss to the service. Mr Aldham, the purser, who had spiritedly volunteered the charge of a party of small-arm men, was killed at his post on the gangway. My faithful old clerk was shot by his side; Mr Aldham has left a widow to lament his loss. I request the Commander in Chief will recommend her to the protection of my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty.
My veteran boatswain, Mr Stephens has lost an arm. He fought under Lord Rodney on 12 April 1782. I trust his age and service will be duly rewarded. I am happy to say that Mr Samwell, a midshipman of much merit, is the only other officer wounded besides myself, and he not dangerously. Of my gallant seamen and marines, we had 23 slain and 56 wounded. No expression I can make use of can do justice to the merits of my valiant officers and crew; the calm courage they displayed during the cannonade and the tremendous precision of their fire, could only be equalled by the ardour with which they rushed to the assault. I reccomend them all warmly to the protection of the Commander in Chief.Having received a severe sabre wound at the first onset, whilst charging a party of the enemy who had rallied on their forecastle, I was only capable of giving command till asured our conquest was complete; and then directing second Lieutenant Wallis to take charge of SHANNON and secure the prisoners, I left the third Lieutenant, MrFalkiner (who headed the main deck boarders), in charge of the prize. I beg to recommend these officers to the commander in chief`s patronage, for the gallantry they displayed during the action and the skill and judgment they evinced in the anxious duties which thereafter devolved upon them.
To Mr Etough, the acting master, I am much indebted for the steadiness with which he conned the ship into action. Lieuts. Johns and Law of the marines, bravely boarded at the head of their respective divisions.
It is utterly impossible to particularize every brilliant deed performed by my officers and men; but I must mention, when the ships` yard-arms were locked together, that Mr Cosnahan, who commanded in our main-top, finding himself screened from the enemy by the foot of the top-sail, laid out along the main-yard-arm to fire upon them, and shot three in that situation. Mr Smith, who commanded in our fore-top, stormed the enemy`s fore-top from the fore-yard-arm and destroyed all the Americans remaining on it. I particularly beg leave to recommend Mr Etough, the acting master; and Messrs. Smith, Leake, Clavering and Littlejohn, midshipmen. The latter is the son of Capt. Littlejohn who was slain in the BERWICK.
The loss of the enemy was about 70 killed and 100 wounded. Among the former were her fouth Lieutenant, a Lieutenant of Marines, the Master and many other officers. Capt. Lawrence is since dead of his wounds. The enemy came into action with a complement of 440 men; the SHANNON having picked up some recaptured seamen, had 330. The CHESAPEAKE is a fine frigate, and mounts 49 guns, eighteens on her main-deck, two-and-thirties on her quarter deck and forecastle.Both ships came out of the action in the most beautiful order, their rigging appearing as perfect as if they had only being exchanging a salute. I have the honour to be, etc.
(Signed) "P.B.V. BROKE"
To Captain the Hon. T. Bladen, CAPEL.
Fate of the Chesapeake
The timbers from the Chesapeake were incorported into Wickham Mill and are, February 2002, the subject of a survey by the Institute of Maritime Studies, University of St.Andrews.
The figurehead of the Chesapeake was also to be found in the area:- Hampshire Treasures (1982) ISBN 0-900-908-7-26 has the following;
Arford House.
Howard Chapelle, The History of the American Sailing Navy: the Ships and their Development (New York: Norton, 1949)
2 storeys. Coursed square stone blocks, creamwashed. Slate roof. Casement windows with flat lintels and 'Gothic' tracery. Stable block converted into dwelling.
Stables and various outhouses round a courtyard.
A complex of buildings, now two dwellings. The main house is square. Conservatory across south face. In the late 19th century, Brett Harte was a visitor and named the footpath from Arford to Longcross Hill The Brae.
The figurehead of the Chesapeake, which was captured by the Shannon, was formerly on a summer house at the top of the garden-it was a bird, perhaps an eagle, and a portion of it was said to be part of a lamp bracket in the house.
When the Chesapeake was broken up, the figurehead was bought by Mr Ewsters, who was then building (or living in) Arford House. Mr Henry Knight, who was born 27th Nov 1805, remembered it, and told the then rector, Mr Laverty (1872-1928).
Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships