Both were men in the prime of manhood, Lawrence in his thirty-second year and Broke in his thirty-seventh.

Both were models of chivalry and manly grace; both were held in the highest estimation in their profession.

Lawrence had just taken an affectionate farewell of his two sons and an hour later was urging his men to "_Peacock_ them! _Peacock_ them!" Broke a short time before had committed his wife to God's mercy and soon afterward was urging his crew to 'Kill the men! kill the men!' Both were men of the kindliest feelings and most tender affections; both acknowledged the justice of the cause for which the Americans were contending, yet with steady determination they went out at the head of their ships' companies to take each other's life.

A few hours afterward, when Captain Broke fell on the _Chesapeake's_ decks fainting and covered with his own blood, his lieutenants, on loosening his clothes, found a small blue silk case suspended around his neck.

It contained a lock of his wife's hair." [Illustration: DEATH OF CAPTAIN LAWRENCE.] Lawrence, in accordance with his chivalrous nature, disdained to seek any unfair advantage, his purpose being to engage in what is called a fair yardarm and yardarm fight.