HMS Shannon defeats the USS Chesapeake off Boston Light.

The battle is observed by residents of Boston, who climb up on rooftops to watch. Capt. James Lawrence of the Chesapeake, who had ignored orders to engage with the Shannon, is mortally during the battle, but not before issuing the order, “Don’t give up the ship.” After a 15-minute battle in which 83 of their number killed or wounded, however, the crew does so. The ship and Lawrence’s body are initially brought back to Halifax by the British, but Lawrence’s body is subsequently brought back to Boston. Republicans hold a number of events in his memory designed to stir up anti-British feelings, but Federalists, who control the General Court, refuse to approve construction of a memorial to the slain captain.