During the burning of Washington in 1812 by the British, Dolly Madison's heroism saved the Declaration of Independence from destruction. She broke the glass case containing it and fled.] Lawrence was one of the bravest of men, and entered the navy when only seventeen years old. He helped Captain Decatur in burning the _Philadelphia_, in the harbor of Tripoli, during the war with that country. His body was taken to Halifax and buried with the honors of war, several of the oldest captains in the British navy acting as pall-bearers. CAPTAIN DECATUR CHECKED. An exasperating experience befell Captain Decatur. On the day of the capture of the _Chesapeake_, he was compelled to take refuge in the harbor of New London, to escape a powerful squadron. He was in command of the _United States_, the _Macedonian_, and the _Hornet_. Chafing with impatience, he made repeated attempts to get to sea, but he declared that in every instance the blockading squadron were notified by means of blue lights displayed by Tories on shore. He was thus held helpless until the close of hostilities. This betrayal by his own countrymen caused much resentment throughout the country, and the enemies of the Federal party gave it the name of "Blue Lights," and Connecticut was often taunted for her disloyal course in the war, though the offenders were probably few in number. By this time, England had acquired so wholesome a respect for the American navy that orders were issued that two or three vessels should always cruise in company, and under no circumstances should a single vessel engage an American, where there was the least preponderance against the British. The Americans were the only nation against whom such an order was ever issued. Captain William Henry Allen, in command of the brig _Argus_, boldly entered the English Channel and destroyed much shipping of the enemy. Many vessels were sent in search of him, and on the 14th of August he was captured by the _Pelican_. Soon afterward the brig _Enterprise_ captured the British _Boxer_ off the coast of Maine. The fight was a desperate one, both commanders being killed. They were buried side by side in Portland. THE CRUISE OF THE ESSEX.