- USS Lawrence (1813)
The first USS "Lawrence" was one of two 493-ton "Niagara"-class
brig s built atErie, Pennsylvania , by Adam andNoah Brown under the supervision of Sailing MasterDaniel Dobbins andMaster Commandant Oliver Hazard Perry , forUnited States Navy service on theGreat Lakes during theWar of 1812 .She was commissioned in early August 1813 and quickly began operations with a voyage to
Detroit, Michigan in search of the opposing British squadron. During the 10 September 1813Battle of Lake Erie , "Lawrence" served asflagship for Perry until she was disabled by enemy fire. Perry then transferred to her sister-ship, the brig "Niagara", from which he fought the battle to a successful conclusion.In mid-1815, following the end of hostilities, "Lawrence" was sunk in Misery Bay on Presque Isle, PA in order to preserve her hull. Her submerged hulk was sold in 1825 and, except for a brief examination in 1836, remained underwater for five more decades.
In September 1875, her remains were raised, cut into sections and transported by rail to
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where she was exhibited during The U.S. Centennial International Exhibition of 1876. Her remains were destroyed by a fire during that exhibition.References
*NHC
*DANFS|http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/l4/lawrence-i.htm
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