The carnage from these broadsides was enormous. In less than fifteen minutes the Chesapeake had lost 40 killed and 90 wounded. Meanwhile, on the Shannon there were 34 killed and 56 wounded. The Chesapeake's headsail and wheel were quickly shot away and the Chesapeake now drifted helplessly downwind towards the Shannon which continued firing.
Sharpshooters in the Shannon's fighting tops fired down on American targets on the Chesapeake's decks. One shot felled James Lawrence who was taken below for treatment. It was below decks where he allegedly uttered those famous words.
--Brock-Perry
2012 marks the 200th anniversary of America's "Forgotten War," the War of 1812 that took place over three years, 1812 to 1815.
Battle of New Orleans.
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