法律rence, James

法律rence, James,1781–1813, American naval hero, b. Burlington, N.J. He entered the navy in 1798 and saw his first important service in the Tripolitan War. In the War of 1812, as commander of theHornet,he defeated and sank (1813) the BritishPeacock.He was promoted to captain and was given command of theChesapeakeat Boston. On his way out of Boston harbor he met, engaged, and was defeated by the British frigateShannon,which had been blockading Boston. His wordsTell the men to fire faster and not to give up the shipshouted as he was carried from the deck, mortally wounded, became the popular naval battle cryDon't give up the ship!

See biography by A. Gleaves (1904); P. Padfield,Broke and the Shannon(1968).

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