It was toward the close of the first day of summer, with thousands crowding the hills and points of advantage and peering at the ships through glasses, that the battle opened by the fire of the _Shannon_.

Great damage was inflicted and much execution done by the return broadside of the _Chesapeake_.

The first fire severely wounded Lawrence in the leg, but he refused to go below.

Then the firing became so close and rapid that half the American officers were killed or wounded.

The most frightful confusion that can be imagined followed.
When Lawrence formed his men to board after the two vessels had fouled the bugler could not be found, whereupon Captain Broke led his own men upon the deck of the _Chesapeake_.
It was at this critical moment that Lawrence was fatally wounded and carried below.