(WAR OF 1812) | Elegy on the Death of James Lawrence, Esq. late Commander of the U.S. Frigate Chesapeake. [Boston]: A. Bowen, 1813

Property from the Eric C. Caren Collection

(WAR OF 1812)

Elegy on the Death of James Lawrence, Esq. late Commander of the U.S. Frigate Chesapeake. [Boston]: A. Bowen, 1813

Printed broadside on silk (13 3/8 x 9 3/8 in.; 341 x 242 mm). Vignette depicting flags, monument, and a ship in the harbor at top, text in two columns, red and green silk border at left margin, hinged to album leaf; some very light soiling and creasing, a few stains on verso. The consignor has independently obtained a letter of authenticity from PSA that will accompany the lot.

"Don't give up the ship!"

During the War of 1812, James Lawrence's final appointment was as commander of the USS Chesapeake. On 1 June 1813, the frigate engaged in fierce action against the HMS Shannon just outside of Boston Harbor. In the midst of battle, Lawrence was fatally wounded, with his now-famous last words being: "Don't give up the ship!"

An unusually nice example of a scarce broadside on silk.