Disaster and disgrace seemed to follow the American land forces during the first two years of the war, but the fault lay wholly with the officers, who were incompetent, and many times lacking in patriotism. The soldiers were brave, but were comparatively powerless with such poor commanders. Once again the American navy performed brilliant work, though, unfortunately, the record was marred by a sad disaster. On February 24th, Captain James Lawrence, who had made several minor captures from the enemy, riddled the English brig-of-war _Peacock_, while in command of the _Hornet_, and, in a fierce engagement of fifteen minutes, compelled her to surrender and hoist a signal of distress. She went down so quickly that several of the _Hornet's_ crew, who were giving aid, sank with her, besides thirteen of the enemy. Captain Lawrence treated his prisoners so kindly that, upon reaching New York, they gave him a letter of thanks. CAPTURE OF THE CHESAPEAKE BY THE SHANNON. Captain Lawrence's fine work caused him to be promoted to the command of the _Chesapeake_, then refitting at Boston. Captain Broke (afterward Sir Philip, B.V.), commander of the _Shannon_, cruising off Boston, challenged Lawrence to come out and fight him. The American promptly accepted the challenge. It was a piece of unwarrantable recklessness, for the _Chesapeake_ was not yet ready for the sea, and his crew was undisciplined and in a surly mood, because some promised prize money had not been paid them. Moreover, it is said that most of the sailors were under the influence of liquor. The _Chesapeake_ sailed gaily out of the harbor on the 1st of June, followed by a number of pleasure boats and barges crowded with spectators, while the hills swarmed with people, many with glasses, all anxious to witness the triumph of the gallant young captain. A woeful disappointment awaited them. The battle was a terrific one. In a short time the rigging of the _Chesapeake_ was so mangled that she became unmanageable, and could not escape a raking fire which did frightful execution. Captain Lawrence was twice wounded, the last time mortally, and was carried below at the time the enemy were preparing to board. He ordered that the colors should not be struck. "Tell the men to fire faster," he cried; "_don't give up the ship!_" Boarders swarmed over the _Chesapeake_ and a few minutes later she was captured, the loss of the Americans being 48 killed and 98 wounded, that of the enemy being about half as great. Lawrence lived four days, most of the time delirious, during which he continually repeated the appeal, "_Don't give up the ship!_" The impressiveness of the circumstances and the words themselves made them the motto of the American navy in many a subsequent engagement. [Illustration: MRS. JAMES MADISON (DOLLY PAYNE).