CAPTAIN JAMES LAWRENCE
(Capture of the Peacock)

FURST, Moritz: USA, 1813, Bronze, 64 mm
Obv: Bust of Lawrence    JAC. LAWRENCE DULCE ET DECORUM EST PRO PATRIA MORI (James Lawrence. It Is Sweet and Becoming to Die for One's Country)
Rev: Scene of naval engagement    MANSUETUD MAJ QUAM VICTORIA (Clemency Greater than Victory)
Exergue:  INTER HORNET NAV. AMERI. ET PEACOCK NAV. ANG. DIE XXIV. FEB. MDCCCXIII (Between the American Vessel Hornet and English Warship Peacock February 24, 1813)
Signed:  FURST F
Struck in 1821 from original dies; Mintage=45
Ref: Julian 162/NA-14; Loubat 185/33;  Europese Penningen p. 342, bis,a;  see Jaeger and Bowers 54/43;  Neuzil 33;  Weiss BW130

James Lawrence (1781-1813) served as lieutenant against Tripoli, and was second in command under Decatur, in the Intrepid, when the Philadelphia was destroyed off Tripoli. In 1813, as master-commandant, with the Hornet, he captured the British brig-of-war Peacock. In 1813, as captain, he commanded the Chesapeake and fell, mortally wounded, in the engagement with the British ship Shannon. His last words, when carried below, were, "Don't give up the ship!"

LINK to article: Medalic History of the War of 1812: Consequences to the American Indian Nations (by Benjamin Weiss)

LINK to painting and biography of Captain James Lawrence (from Naval Historical Center)

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