THE “CHESAPEAKE” LEAVING THE HARBOR
British vessels of war were a common sight from any hill along the New England coast. Outfitting at Halifax, they hovered about, and were in constant communication with one another, the smaller vessels seldom straying far from their towering guard-ships.
While Lawrence was endeavoring to teach the green crew of the Chesapeake something of discipline and man-of-war customs, a strange sail boldly made in to the entrance of Boston Roads.
She tacked about, flying signals of defiance. It was the Shannon (38), a prime vessel, magnificently equipped for the express purpose of meeting a Yankee frigate. She had an unusually numerous crew of picked men, thoroughly disciplined and well officered. She was commanded by Captain Broke, a fearless and able officer, one of the best in the service of Great Britain—a man who feared no danger, and fought with desire to gain reputation and glory. He had dismissed the Tenedos, line-of-battle ship, and wished to fight alone.
In Low’s Great Battles of the British Navy the author speaks of Captain Broke sending a formal challenge to the captain of the Chesapeake to come out and meet “ship to ship, to try the fortunes of our respective flags.” The English writer adds that “the redoubtable Captain Lawrence was not backward in accepting the challenge.”
This challenge, a model of the stilted courtesy and frank gallantry of the day, was never received by the American commander, despite the statement. It might have made some difference, for it told the number of men, guns, and armament.
To Captain Broke’s honor be it said that he sought no favor and he had no fear. An American publication speaks in the following words: “It is to be deeply regretted that Captain Lawrence did not receive this gallant challenge, as it would have given him time to put his ship in proper order, and spared him the necessity of hurrying out in his unprepared condition to so formidable and momentous an encounter.”
The English exploited in verse and song the victory they had gained. A series of paintings and engravings representing different phases of the engagement was designed by Captain R. H. King, R.N., and painted by Schetky, and dedicated to Captain Sir Philip Bowes Vere Broke, Bart., R.N., K.C.B. The King, on hearing the news of the capture, is reported to have clapped his hands.
That Lawrence fought the action contrary to his own judgment, and was not sanguine of victory, is shown by a letter in his own hand, written on board the Chesapeake, and sent off by the pilot; for the American vessel, as she left the harbor, was surrounded by a fleet of small craft, which came out to see the action. This letter is addressed, “James Cox, Esq., Merchant, New York.”