Man's Vest
Original OwnerOriginally owned by
Captain James Lawrence
American, 1781 - 1813
Date1812-1813
MediumHand-stitched cotton and linen, with cotton-covered bone buttons
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (center back length x width): 19 x 18 1/2in. (48.3 x 47cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineGift of W. Cummings
DescriptionMan's vest, possibly part of a uniform, made of white, twill-woven cotton. The vest has a standing 2 1/2-inch deep collar and nine self-covered buttons at the center front opening. There is a 5 3/4-inch-wide pocket on each side. The backing of the vest is plain linen. It is also lined with plain linen. The back of the vest is slightly gathered into the neckline. Four linen tapes sewn to the back tie to adjust the fit.
Object number1861.12.0
InscribedHand-stitched in light blue thread in back stitch at lower center back, "J Lawrence/ 4" (in script letters).NotesHistorical Note: "Don't give up the ship" were the last words of U.S. Naval Captain James Lawrence, who died following injuries sustained on 1 June 1813 in a battle between the U.S.S. Chesapeake and the H.M.S. Shannon. The battle itself lasted less than an hour, but Lawrence's words are immortalized as the motto of the United States Navy.Subject Terms
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