Lot 144: Two views of the action between H.M.S. Shannon and the U.S.S. Chesapeake, 1stJune 1813; and H.M.S. Shannon arriving at Halifax, Nova Scotia with her celebrated prize, 6thJune 1813

John Lynn (fl. 1828-1848) Two views of the action between H.M.S. Shannon and the U.S.S. Chesapeake, 1st June 1813; and H.M.S. Shannon arriving at Halifax, Nova Scotia with her celebrated prize, 6th June 1813 the first signed and dated 'J. Lynn./1847.' (lower right) and extensively inscribed (on the remnants of an old label attached to the stretcher); the second signed and dated 'J. Lynn./1847.' (lower right); the third signed 'J. Lynn' (lower right) oil on canvas 18 ½ x 27 ½ in. (47 x 69.8 cm.) (3)a set of three

47 x 69.8 cm.

During the Anglo-American War of 1812-14, the event which captured the public's imagination more than any other was the celebrated duel between the Royal Navy's frigate H.M.S. Shannon and the new republic's frigate Chesapeake. Cruising off the eastern seaboard, Captain Philip Broke of the Shannon spotted the American frigates Chesapeake and Constitution refitting in Boston. Broke immediately challenged Captain Lawrence of the Chesapeake to come out and fight and, at about noon on 1st June 1813, the latter weighed anchor and stood out of Boston Roads accompanied by a small flotilla of pleasure craft crowded with spectators anxious to witness the fight. A furious action followed lasting a mere fifteen minutes; Captain Broke was wounded leading his boarding party and casualties on both vessels were very high. Soon overwhelmed, Chesapeake surrendered and Shannon took her as a prize into Halifax, Nova Scotia, where, on the 6th June, the captors were given a heroes' welcome. The apparently easy capture of the Chesapeake, a ship of the same nominal force, but larger, with more men and a heavier armament than the Shannon, created a sensation in America and in Britain. The success of the engagement (which made Broke famous) was due to his care, forethought, and skill and honours and congratulations were showered upon him. He was made a baronet on 2nd November 1813, and K.C.B. on 3rd January 1815; but, with the exception of taking the Shannon home in the autumn of 1813, his brilliant exploit was the end of his active naval service.