About this artwork

This HMS Shannon and the USS Chesapeake painting depicts the Naval battle that took place on June 1st, 1813. Also known in some quarters as The Battle of Boston Harbor.
The Chesapeake sailed out to sea, met the Shannon and the battle began. The Chesapeake was windward of the Shannon and could have cut across her stern, unleashing a devastating broadside through her from stern to stem. However, being a Gentleman and honorable, he wanted to fight on equal terms and came alongside the Shannons Starboard side. The ships were as equally matched as two ships could be. They both fired their first shots, the Shannon, inflicting the worst damage. Fearing his ship was going too fast, to slow her down, Capt. Lawrence turned her slightly toward the wind to check her speed.

This is the moment I decided to depict. The wind stopped her in her tracks, but Chesapeake’s stern was now facing the Shannon. She began unleashing a deadly broadside, sending cannonballs, shrapnel, and splinters down the length of the Chesapeake’s decks. After this, the wind backed the Chesapeake sails, sending her into Shannon's side. The Shannons managed to secure her to them, board, and win the battle.

The battle has been described as one of the bloodiest, single Frigate actions of its time. It lasted less than 15 minutes. They then sailed with the captured Chesapeake into Halifax, Nova Scotia. A much-needed victory had been won for the Royal Navy, and the British people.

The Chesapeake, after extensive repairs, became HMS Chesapeake. She was broken up in 1819 and her timbers were sold.

HMS Shannon remained in commission until 1830. She wasn’t broken up until 1859