James Lawrence Quotes


Don't give up the ship!


Citations

Gleaves, Albert. James Lawrence, Captain, United States Navy, Commander of the "Chesapeake". G. P. Putnam's Sons, 1904, p. 196.

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James Lawrence
James Lawrence
  • Born: October 1, 1781
  • Died: June 4, 1813
  • Nationality:
  • Profession:

James Lawrence was an American naval officer. During the War of 1812, he commanded USS Chesapeake in a single-ship action against HMS Shannon commanded by Philip Broke. He is probably best known today for his last words or "dying command" "Don't give up the ship!", which is still a popular naval battle cry, and which was invoked by Oliver Hazard Perry's personal battle flag, adopted to commemorate his dead friend.