James Lawrence

Captain
James Lawrence
Captain James Lawrence
	Portrait by Gilbert Stuart, c. 1812
Born	October 1, 1781; Burlington, New Jersey, US
Died	June 4, 1813 (aged 31); USS Chesapeake near Boston, Massachusetts, US
Cause of death	Gunshot Wound
Resting place	Trinity Church Cemetery, New York, New York
Military career
Spouse	Julia Montaudevert
Children	1
Allegiance	United States
Branch	United States Navy
Service years	1798–1813
Rank	Captain
Commands	USS Vixen; USS Wasp; USS Argus; USS Hornet; USS Chesapeake;
Conflicts	Quasi-War; First Barbary War Action of 2 June 1803; ; War of 1812 Sinking of HMS Peacock; Capture of USS Chesapeake (DOW); ;
Signature

James Lawrence (October 1, 1781 – June 4, 1813) was an officer of the United States Navy. 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, "Don't give up the ship!", uttered during the capture of the Chesapeake. The quotation is still a popular naval battle cry, and was invoked in Oliver Hazard Perry's personal battle flag, adopted to commemorate his dead friend.