Follower of James Edward Buttersworth

"The capture of the Chesapeake is confessedly the most brilliant act of heroism ever performed, and perhaps can never be excelled...".  This comment was published in the editorial columns of the Naval Chronicle, and echoed the wave of national rejoicing at the victory of Captain Sir Philp Bowes Vere Broke (1776-1841) in H.M.S. Shannon over his American counterpart, Captain James Lawrence in the U.S.S. Chesapeake.  The engagement took place on 1st June 1813, as part of the second American War, and lasted only eleven minutes.  The engagement was unique in naval history for the number of casualties sustained in such a short time.  Captain Broke himself sustained a serious injury and he never saw active service again.  He returned home to great acclaim, and was created a baronet.  A full length portrait of Captain Broke by Samuel Lane was sold in these rooms on 19th March 2003, lot 9 for £66,000.