Medal commemorating the capture of HMS 'Peacock', 1813. Obverse: Bust of the captain in uniform (right). Legend: 'JAC. LAWRENCE DULCE ET DECORUM EST PRO PATRIA MORI'. (James Lawrence. It is a good and glorious thing to die for one's country.) Reverse: View of the action, starboard-bow view of the 'Hornet' (left) standing by, the 'Peacock' partially dismasted sinking (right), a boat manned plying between them. Legend: 'MANSUETUD MAJ QUAM VICTORIA.' (Clemency is greater than victory.) Exergue: 'INTER HORNET NAV AMERI ET PEACOCK NAV ANG DIE XXIV FEB MDCCCXIII.' (Between the American ship 'Hornet' and the English ship 'Peacock', 24 February 1813). Signed 'FURST. F.' below truncation of bust on obverse and to the left on the exergual line on the reverse.
One of a series of 27 medals commemorating American successes during the War of 1812, struck by special resolution of Congress. They were awarded to naval commanders in gold and to their officers in silver. The bronze examples are restrikes.