War of 1812
War of 1812 Exciting Mated Pair of Naval Battle Prints
c. 1814 War of 1812, Mated & Matched Original Pair of Naval Battle Prints Depicting the June 6, 1813 Battle Between the American Frigate Chesapeake and the H.M.S. Shannon. Both Framed, both Choice Extremely Fine.
This lot includes a beautiful Matched Pair of quality historic Naval Battle Prints from the War of 1812. Each measures approximately 17.5” x 14” (by sight), matted and framed to overall size of 26.75” x 23.5”. Both Prints are “Painted by J.C. Schetky Esqre & On Stone by L. Haghe, Designed by Capt. R.H. King, R.N.” Both bear the large inscriptions, “To Captain Sir Philip Bowes Vere Broke, Bart and K.C.B.” and ”... is Dedicated by his obliged and most grateful servant, R.H. King.” One print, labeled “No. 2” states, “This representation of the American Frigate Chesapeake, crippled and thrown into utter disorder by the two first broadsides fired from H.M.S. Shannon...” The other, labeled “No. 4” reads, “This representation of H.M.S. Shannon leading her prize the American Frigate Chesapeake into Halifax Harbour on the 6th June, 1813.” Two colorful, bright and highly impressive original War of 1812 produced naval battle prints that make for a choice display. (2 Framed Prints)
During April and May 1813, while the U.S. Frigate Chesapeake was in Boston refitting she received a new Captain, James Lawrence. Many of her officers were replaced and a large percentage of her crew was newly enlisted. Though the ship was a good one, with a well-seasoned Captain, the crew was inexperienced. However, blockading off Boston was HMS Shannon, commanded by an experienced Captain, Philip Broke.

The H.M.S. Shannon and Chesapeake were nearly identical strength, though the American ship's crew was larger, and Broke issued a formal challenge to the American ship, though it did not reach Lawrence. Chesapeake left Boston Harbor in the early afternoon of 1 June 1813.

The two ships sailed several miles offshore, where Shannon slowed to await her opponent, who approached flying a special flag proclaiming "Free Trade and Sailors' Rights" in recognition of America's prewar grievances against British policies. Around 6 PM the ships opened fire, both hitting, but the British guns did more damage and produced crippling casualties on the Chesapeake.

Captain Lawrence was mortally wounded by small arms fire and had to be taken below. The American ship was soon out of control. Captain Broke led his boarding party onto Chesapeake's quarterdeck, where they met fierce but disorganized resistance. They soon gained control, though Captain Broke was badly wounded in the process. Some fifteen minutes after the battle began, the Chesapeake was in British hands. Casualties were heavy, more than 60 killed on the Chesapeake and about half as many on the Shannon. The latter's cannon had made more than twice as many hits, and her boarding party demonstrated decisive superiority in hand-to-hand fighting.