THE LAST COMMAND

The Last Command

 And Paul said unto the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men remain in the ship, you cannot be saved.” Acts 27:31

Don’t Give Up the Ship!

We have all heard the impassioned words, “Don’t give up the ship!” While visiting the Lake Erie Maritime Museum, Erie PA, I heard the story behind this quote made famous during the War of 1812. However, this wasn’t the first time those immortal words were uttered. There is something so stirring, yet so distressing in those words. To hold on to hope in the midst of a storm and battle is a challenge to every soul. 

The USS Niagara, part of the American naval fleet, War of 1812, is now docked at the Maritime museum after being raised from the lake and beautifully restored. This year marks the 200^th anniversary of the Battle of Lake Erie, September 10, 1813. Our party boarded the USS Niagara for the historic presentation of the Niagara’s involvement in the War. Lake Erie a large sea-like lake bordering the northern most borders of Ohio. 

Being fond of reading about historic world warfare, especially in America, I had to know if any of my ancestors were involved in this bloody conflict. As it happens, many were very involved. 

I felt so privileged to run my hands over the polished wood, to stand on the deck and feel the riggings of this famous ship. The ambiance was so impressive and I felt so thankful that someone had the vision to raise and restore it.

A Short History of the Battle

The British could not say “Enough” even after their loss during the American Revolution. Another attempt to conquer the Americans by opening a way inland to the Ohio Valley through the Great Lakes was in progress.

American Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry stood ready to intercept and oppose the British war ships. During the summer of 1813, British troops occupied Detroit and depended on supplies shipped across Lake Erie. British officer, Robert Heriot Barclay was ordered to ship supplies to the Royal fleet. 

Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry was ordered to stop the supply ships. On September 10, 1813, the opposing fleets battled for over two bloody and exhausting hours on the lake. Perry's flagship, the USS Lawrence, fought largely alone as the rest of the fleet held back. With Perry’s ship badly disabled, Perry and his remaining crew rowed to the Niagara and set his battle flag to the Niagara’s mast. With a fresh ship and crew, fierce fighting ensued until every British ship was forced to surrender and the Crown lost a decisive battle where they had hoped to regain control. 

Perry had created his famous battle flag in memory of his friend Capt. James Lawrence who had spoken the famous words, “Don’t give up the ship” as he lay dying on the deck of his ship, the USS Chesapeake.

At this earlier battle in which Captain Lawrence was engaged near Boston battling against Royal Navy HMS Shannon, June 4, 1813, Capt. James Lawrence issued his last command. "Don't Give Up the Ship!". Perry was so inspired by his courage and bravery that he had the words sewn on his battle flag that flew aloft on the Niagara during the Battle of Lake Erie.

Today, this is still the last command from our Captain, the Lord Jesus Christ.

“Don’t give up the ship”