10/01/2025
This day in 1781, Capt. James Lawrence was born! His house is still standing at 459 High Street. Check out this info from the booklet A City’s Legacy…
LAWRENCE HOUSE
Captain James Lawrence
At the close of the Revolutionary War, Burlington was a busy port facility which served numerous ocean-going ships. Each day a young boy left his home on High Street and ran to the river to watch the vessels enter and leave the port. This was Jimmy Lawrence and he dreamed of a life as captain of a great ship. His father, John Lawrence, had been Mayor of Burlington in 1776 and one of the city’s most respected lawyers. The older Lawrence wanted his son to study law and follow his rise to success, but Jim could not envision himself sitting behind a desk and pouring over thick law books. At thirteen Jim was sent to Woodbury where he was expected to learn the legal profession in his brother’s office, but this did not materialize. The sea beckoned to Jim and there was no denying the call.
He convinced his father and brother that he would never be an attorney, and received a midshipman’s appointment in the young United States Navy. He sailed to the West Indies on board the Ganges and the voyage was as exciting and rewarding as the teenager believed it would be. On board ship, he worked in every department and did all levels of work, from scrubbing the decks to steering the ship. He was energetic and healthy and the sea stimulated his mind and muscles. This was the life that God had intended for him.
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In 1800, the Barbary pirates were attacking any ship which came into their reach, and the American Navy was no match for the experienced sailors from North Africa. Many people believed that the British were permitting these pirates to pillage at will to insure their domination of the seas.
President Thomas Jefferson refused to appropriate the funds to build a fighting Navy and the pirates continued to assault American shipping. Jefferson wanted to hire the Portuguese Navy to defeat the North Africans and when the plan was not acceptable to Congress, he settled on a program to build gunboats which were fast and maneuverable. Lawrence, now a lieutenant, accompanied Steven Decatur to Tripoli to attack the stronghold of the pirates. The American gunboats overwhelmed the enemy and Lawrence received great praise for his expert seamanship and keen command under fire. The Barbary pirates were crushed and the American Navy drew acclaim from the international sea powers.
In 1812, the British and French were seizing men from American ships and paying little regard for the rights of citizens of the United States. Great Britain still treated America like a colony and President James Madison was convinced that war was the only alternative remaining to his countrymen. The English were a powerful foe but the conflict could not be avoided. In many respects, the War of 1812 was a second Revolutionary War where the British needed to be convinced that America was a free nation.
At the beginning of the war, James Lawrence was made Captain of the Chesapeake which had been humiliated by the British ship, the Leopard. No man wanted to serve on this ship which had surrendered without a fight and it took all the courage and fortitude which Lawrence could muster to prepare this vessel for sea duty. He drilled the men at their posts and demanded instant reaction to his orders. Discipline was the backbone of his personal philosophy and his men would learn to obey his directives.
On May 30, 1813, the Chesapeake was stationed at Boston harbor and the captain of H.M.S. Shannon challenged the Americans to fight. Captain Broke, the English Commander, courteously but firmly dared the Chesapeake to meet her at sea.
Captain Lawrence immediately went into action and prepared to meet the enemy. He never hesitated, despite the larger guns, the more experienced crew and larger size of the Shannon. The two ships neared each other and when they were within pistol shot they both opened fire. Both ships were ablaze and they poured round after round at their adversary. Captain Lawrence was wounded in the leg but never left his command post. He directed the battle with a cool and alert hand.
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The Chesapeake was boarded by the enemy and the outnumbered American crew fought with anything that they could swing. Lawrence received an additional gaping wound and as he was falling into Lieutenant Ludlow’s arms he shouted in clear words, “Don’t give up the ship.” His men vainly attempted to repulse the enemy but the English were too numerous and well equipped.
Captain James Lawrence died of his wounds and left behind a pregnant wife, Julia Montaudvert, and two young children. He displayed valor which has been unrivaled in American Naval history. He met the British on their terms and he showed them that an American knows how to fight and how to die.
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James Lawrence in Burlington
Captain James Lawrence was born at this house on October 1, 1781, the 11th child of John and Martha Tollman Lawrence. John Lawrence was an official of the city and a dedicated Tory. The Lawrences rented their home from Israel Tonkin, and the building was originally constructed in 1742.
After the Revolutionary War, John Lawrence left for Canada, as he remained loyal to King George III. After the death of his mother, James was placed in the charge of his two older sisters until 1794 when he was sent to Woodbury to study law with his brother. In 1796, he returned to Burlington where he studied navigation at this thriving seaport. In 1798, he was appointed a midshipman aboard the U.S.S. Ganges and his remarkable naval career ensued.
Burlington was an ideal location for a young boy to learn seamanship and the demands of this vigorous profession. Lawrence was in an environment where 400-ton vessels could enter the port of Burlington and discharge their cargo. America was a seafaring nation and Lawrence was a pioneer of United States naval courage and determination.
