| Notes |
- Julia (Juliette) is the daughter of Sarah Wilson & James Montaudevert.
As Julia Montaudevert Lawrence was in her confinement for the birth of twins, the news of husband James's death was kept from her as long as possible. The infants James did not survive.
. PORTRAIT, Smithsonian American Art Museum of Mrs. James Lawrence (Julia Montaudevert), painting Dates: ca. 1808-1812. Medium: Oil. Dimensions: 36 x 28 in. (cm. 91.4 x 71.1) Subject: - Waist length Artist: Unknown, painter.
A wistful Julia is seated, Empire dress, with with large lace collar, fluffy light coloured silk or satin hat. Julia is a thin lady with dark eyes & curly dark hair. Puffy sleeve partially cover her hands, but no wedding ring is apparent, thus the portrait was apparently painted before her marriage.
Owner of painting: US Naval Academy, The Museum, 118 Maryland Avenue, Annapolis, Maryland, 21402-5034.
. HISTORIC SUMMER HAUNTS FROM NEWPORT TO PORTLAND reports that Edward G. Malbone is to Summer after summer Malbone came to Newport, & his death occurred at Savannah in 1807 when he was on his way north. Many of his miniatures are to be seen in the town. He painted the Miss Montaudevert. Many of these dainty portraits are found set in heavy lockets, imbedded in the covers of jewel boxes, & framed sometimes in simple gold rims & sometimes ringed about with pearls & garnets.
... So it also appears Julia was live in Newport as well as NYC before her marriage to James Lawrence.
. 1814 Jul 1 Brooklyn - Letters remaining the Post Office: Mrs. Julia Lawrence.
Ref: Long Island Star Newspaper, Brooklyn, NY.
. Reminiscences of Newport, by Geo. G Newport, 1884:
There is a miniature here of Miss Montaudevert, the daughter of a French merchant who resided in NY 3 generations ago. ...married James Lawrence... The miniature, which is in the possession of her granddaughter, Mrs. Wm. Redmond, has faded somewhat, but it is still clear in its details. The dress is not unlike that of the Empire, cut low, with a very short waist; & in the hair one sees the large tortoise-shell comb which was at the time generally worn. Mrs. Redmond has a superb portrait of her grandfather, Capt. Lawrence, painted by Stuart.
Tomb of Capt. Lawrence was opened to receive the remains of his widowed 56 years after the lovely girl of 19, the daughter of a NY merchant married the most handsomest officer in the Am. Navy. Mrs. Lawrence lived opposite the Bowling Green, near by, than the most elegant, quiet, & fashionable quarter of NY. She died at Newport 15 Sept. at 78 years of her age. Since her husbands death she resided chiefly at Newport, an object of interest & veneration to the frequenters of that place. Now she has returned to her childhood place to never more be separated from him.
Ref: Achievements of Celebrated Men, James Parton, NY, 1881.
The tomb of Capt. Lawrence was opened, not long since, to receive the remains of his widow who survived him by 52 y. 7 d. at Newport on the 15 Sep, in the 78 years of her age. The little company of friends that gathered about the hallowed spot on that occasion, were scarcely observed by the throng of passers-by, & the event was not noticed in the appears of the next morning. 56 y. had elapsed since Julia Montaudevert, a lovely girl of 19, the daughter of a NY merchant gave her hand at the alter of Trinity to Lieut. Lawrence then 27 & reputed than handsomest officer in the American navy. She lived opposite the Bowling Green's most elegant, quite & fashionable quarter of which she was wife but 4 y., during much of which he was absent on duty. Short lives of the most interesting persons. By James Parton. 1883 NY.
. James Lawrence was given the command of the 12 gun Brig Vixen. An interesting letter, incompletely dated, written by Lawrence to this wife presumably while in command of the Vixe, has recent come to light, it is as follows:
.1812 May 5th. My Dearest Julia, Baltimore,
As I was disappointed in getting my letter ashore in time for Sat.'s mail, I hasten on my arrival at this place to inform you that not being able to bear the suspense I was kept in, I made application a few days past for permission to go on to Washington for the purpose of having a confab with the Secretary, he very politely answered me by saying h e would be happy to see me.
I this morning left the brig in my new boat & arrived her after a pleasant passage of 5 & 1 half hrs. intending to leave this early in the morning for Washington, but on attempting to dress for the pursue of making 1 or 2 calls, you can better judge than I describe, my disappointment, on overhauling my trunk, to find that in place of my new coat, my darned Portuguese Steward had packed up an old storm stay sail that had been condemned these 2 years, you will scarcely credit me when I assure you that I bore it lake a philosopher, imputed it an accident on his part, did not utter an oath, sat down & ate a hearty supper, felt more comfortable than if I had gotten into a violent passion & finally determined to send Mr. Cooper back for my coat & wait his return with patience. He will not be able to get it before next Tues. evening; the next morning I shall leave this city.
As soon as I see the Secretary, I will write you fully. You may rest assured that I shall call to aid all the rhetoric I am possessed of & if possible get permission to return. If it is intended to send Mr. & Mrs. Barlow out with me, I shall certainly see them in Washington & give them such a beautiful account of the accommodations, particularly as respects to the ladies as will, I am in hope, induce them to take a merchant man form choice.
I believe our darling is a year old to-day; kiss her affectionately for me; that she may experience many, many happy returns of the day is the fervent prayer of her doting father. I shall attend most strictly to our request & write in the morning to your Aunt Parker. Remember me affectionately, my dearest Julia, to the family, & believe me truly, Your affection. J.L.
P.S. I take Cooper with me, as I which to introduce him to the Secretary.
. 1815 Sept 25, Schenectady. IN PARTITION, To the honorable the justices of the supreme court of judicature of NY State:
The petition of Stephen N Bayard, late city NY, now of the city of Schenectady, executors of John Ellis, late of NY, Mary Sanders, widow, John, Augusta & Eliza Anna co-heirs of Thomas Sanders;
James L Montaudevert, Edward N Cox & Mary his wife, Julia Lawrence, widow & relict of James Lawrence, deceased; & Sarah Montaudevert, widow of late James Montaudevert, all of the same NY city, (the said James, Mary & Julia being the children & co-heirs of the said James Montaudever, deceased;) (316 acres.)
& Stephen N Bayard, trustees of legal representatives of Haym Solomons & Jacob Morecai, of NY, merchants, under the Arm of Solomons & Morecai, now deceased; (337 A.) who are also the legal representatives of Archibald Gamble, (213 A.) heretofore of said city, merchant, now deceased -
are tenants in common in portions in town of Broome, Schoharie Co., also to partition the premies & to be then sold. Stephen N Bayard.
Ref: Albany Argus Newspaper, 1815 Sept 29 & Commercial Advertiser of 1815 Dec 20.
PRIZE MONEY
. 1818 Nov 21 - For rewarding the officers & crew of the sloop of war Hornet, & Lieut. Eliott & his officers & companions, 13 July, 1813 $37,000; Names of prize agents to who the amount was advanced: Cox* & Montaudevert, Amount accounted for, Amount accounted for, per account settled. $23,494.22. Balance in the hands of the prize agent unclaimed, $13,505.78 (ie. half.)
. 1819 Jul 26, common Council, Alderman Stephen Allen presented the following Resolution which was unanimously agreed to:
Resolved, The Finance committee be instructed to grant the freedman of the City, with a piece of plate to late Captain James Lawrence, so far as to present to the family the mementoes of his gallantry in the capture & destruction the the British Sloop of War, Peacock.
. 1819 Aug 9, The Committee reported: That they have ascertained from Mrs. Lawrence now a resident of the village of Greenwich, the the Certificate of Citizenship alluded to was presented her by his Honor he Mayor & is now in her possession, but the piece of plate with which she would have been much gratified, has not been produced or presented agreeable to the resolution.
. 1819 Nov 1, At a Common Council, Alderman Allen, from the committee on that subjected ported that the piece of plate directed to be executed & presented to the family of the late Capt. James Lawrence, was completed. Whereupon the Finance Committee were requested to take order for presenting the same in the same of this corporation to Mrs. Lawrence, the Widow of the late Captain Lawrence.
Ref: Collections of the NY Historical Society for the year 1885.
. 1848 Jul 10 -Historical & Miscellaneous Questions by Richmal Mangle from the 84th London Edition, with large additions, embracing the Elements of Mythology, astronomy, Architecture, Heraldry, Etc. ...
Adapted from schools in the US by Mrs. Julia Lawrence., with embellished with numerous engravings on wood. Fifth Edition, revised & corrected, with a chapter on the Am. constitution. New York. D, Appleton & Co. 90,92, (4, Grand St. 1869.)
Preface to the Am. Edition of Hangnail's Questions.
Having for many years made use of Hangnail's Questions in the education of my own children, I was tempted to introduce them into my school; although they were not in general use, it being an expansive boon & at that time (7 years since) difficult to be obtained ...allotted to the history of the US. etc. NY, Julia Lawrence. (This book also has a questioned devoted to James Lawrence.)
. 1853 - Subscriber, Mrs. Julia Lawrence, New-York. Pg. 368, & Page. 264 is devoted the the sea battle where her husband died.
Ref: History of Rhode Island, by Edward Peterson.
. 1855 Tax Book of the City of Newport,
Lawrence Julia, Real $15, Personal 15, Assessment of Tax $24,00
Cox, Edward N, Dec'd, Est. Real $0, Personal 20, Assessment of Tax $28.80.
Note1: Ed. Cox is her brother-in-law. Verify relationship to Wm. Cox who aided James Lawrence when he was wounded.
. 1856 Newport City Directory,
Cox, Mary, Widow of Edward, h 6 Kay (1856 Newport Directory, also.)
Lawrence, Julia, Widow of James, h. 6 Kay.
Note2: Mary Montaudevert Cox is sister is Julia Montaudevert Lawrence. - PJA
. 1859 May 22. Letter from Julia Lawrence, Newport, RI., to Wm A Whitehead, published in the NJ Historical Society Proceedings, IX 9, The coat itself has been in the procession on the NJHS, to which Mrs. Lawrence presented it, since May 19, 1859. See the Port Folio II:3, Sept 1813, 253.
. Census 1860 Jun 23, Newport, RI.
Julia Lawrence, Age 70 /b. 1790, Real Estate $3500. Personal Estate $1500. Born NY
Mary N Cox, Age 73 /b. 1787, Real Estate $4000, Personal Estate $2000. Born NY.
. 1862 Mar 31, Mon. Disasters: Ship Julia Lawrence of Rockland Spear, at NY from Havre, reports March 6 1st, 40 30, ton 55, while lying to in a gale from NW, carried away the rudder head.
Ref: Boston Daily Advertiser.
Five sample OBITUARIES:
. 1865 Sep 23 - Newport, Died In this city, 15th inst. Julia Montaudevert, widow of Capt. James Lawrence, U.S.N., in the 77th year of her age.
Ref: Newport Mercury; also Providence Evening Press, 1865 Sep 19.
. 1865 Sep 28 - General Intelligence: Julia Montaudevert, widow of Cape Jams Lawrence, author of the expression "don't give up the ship," died at Newport, R. I., on the 15 inst, in the 78th year of his age.
Ref: Macon Telegraph Newspaper, Georgia.
1865 Sept 23, Friday - Obituary Death of the Widow …At the time of her marriage to Capt. Lawrence. 1809 Julia Montaudevert was a beautiful girl of 19, resident with her father, who was a respectable merchant in the then fashionable portion of New York city, which overlooked the Battery & the husband was a young lieutenant of the navy, in command of the Vixen. The record Is that Lawrence & his bride were a model couple. Both were young, as Byron says & while the lady was beautiful, the Lieutenant was noted as being one of tho handsomest men in the navy, "a man of noble stature & One personal appearance."
"He had the air & manners of a gentleman-like sailor & was much beloved by his friends. He was quick & impetuous in his feelings & sometimes manifested it on the quarter dock, but in all critical situations his coolness was remarkable." says Fenimore Cooper* This was a model of which we have lately had examples by men who were midshipmen when Lawrence graced the navy as a captain, & the little "middy" Farragut has revived the model for our day & a future age's instruction. Cooper, in his admiration of Lawrence, called him "a perfect man of-war's man," & Decatur expressed himself in even stronger terms of admiration of the young hero. Said the old Commodore in his sailor's lingo, "There's no more dodge about Lawrence than the mainmast."
…Many years go a writer in the National Interdigencer? says he met an old "negro servant" of Mr Lawrence family &i asking after Mrs. Lawrence's health, was answered that she was "doing quite well, & had got a line son with an eye like a bull." …She died at three o'clock In the morning.
Ref: New York Herald, page 5, abbreviated for repetition. -PJA
Note3: Fenimore Cooper, famous author & live in Burlington in the adjoining house to the Lawrences.
. 1865 Sep 22 - Death of Capt. Lawrence's Widow - Interesting Reminiscences:
A Newport correspondent of the N.Y. Evening Post, referring to the death of Julia Montaudevert, widow of Capt. James Lawrence which occurred in Newport on the 15th instant, gives some interesting Reminiscences, from which we select the following: The Death of Lawrence. 52 years ago, the first day of June last, occurred one of those events which suffice to make an individual permanently renowned & adds a memorable incident to the annals of a nation. Capt. James Lawrence, United States navy, whose distinguished services in the war with Tripoli, gallant victory over his Britannic Majesty's ship Peacock, acknowledged ability as an officer & probity as a man, as well as dignified manners & handsome appearance, had already made him famous & endeared ... Capt. Broke, of his Britannic Majesty's frigate Shannon went out from Boston harbor to fight. It was a gallant but imprudent act. Weeks of drill had prepared the Shannon whereas the crew of the Chesapeake had been 2 months ashore, after a long cruise, Lawrence as just appointed commander & the men were nearly strangers to him. The first lieutenant was ill on shore, the second inexperienced. At half past 12 am the 2 vessels were 30 miles from Boston light. The Shannon Chesapeake reserved her fire till she got to close quarters....in 15 minutes the enemy boarded with without opposition, in a fierce but disorderly fight. ... Lawrence was taken into Halifax & died in 4 days. ...now after more than half a century, his noble widow is laid beside him.
Mrs. Lawrence occupied a small but eligibly located cottage, the chief ornament of whose little parlor is an excellent portrait of her gallant husband. Our naval officers, during the many years that she has resided in Newport, always called to pay their respect to her; & on one occasion las year, when 3 of the most distinguished, before greeting her, bent their heads before the portrait in recognition of their honored comrade, she was moved to tears. Just before her death she requested an attendant to read aloud the little memoir of her husband, as if feeling the powers of her mind failing, she desired to renew its memory every incident of his brief but brilliant career. Too feeble to listen to the whole, she requested that the leaf should be turned down & the remainder read next day. A few hours after she was struck with paralysis & never spoke again.
Few women have passed through greater greater vicissitudes. Her health was so delicate at the time of her husband's death that the event was concealed fro her, though with great precaution & difficulty. Lawrence died in June, & his wife knew if not until September. Meantime having given birth to a son (who lived but 15 months), she constantly inquired as to the whereabouts & welfare of her husband, wondered why he did not write & asked constantly to have the news read to her. One day a sailor shouted under the window in praise & pity of the martyred captain of the Chesapeake, but fortunately his unconscious widow was in a deep sleep & the vigilance of the family nurse kept the sad tidings from her until she had strength to bear them.
Her affections, thus rudely despoiled, were centered on her daughter, the pride & comfort of her bereaved life, but no sooner h ad this idolized child reached maturity & married a gallant ad favorite officer of the navy her father had adored, than symptoms of alarming illness appeared, a milder climate was recommended & in a few weeks Mrs. Lawrence returned childless to the US. [c.1843]
It was passing the summer of that year at Newport that she determined to make it her home; & many of the old residents remember her when with her beautiful grandchild & handsome Italian nurse, a morning but dignified & unique lady who soon endeared herself to the people among who she thenceforth lived. Manifest in her tone & temperament as her genuine American feeling.
Ref: Providence Evening Press & NY Post forward by Henry T Tuckerman, Esq.
. 1865 Oct 13, Obituary Julia Montaudevert, d.15Sept 1865 Newport, RI, Aged 78. Ref: Dundee Advertiser, Scotland.
. 1865 Sep 30 - Court of Probate City of Newport, Sept 25, 1865}
William Redmond, Jr. presents to this court an instrument in writing dated the 1st. day of Jul 1858, purporting to be the last will & testament of Julia M Lawrence, late of Newport, widow of the late Capt. James Lawrence, late of the U.S. Navy, now both deceased, & in writing states that he is the husband of the granddaughter of said Julia M Lawrence, & praying that William Gilpin of Newport, or some other suitable person, may be appointed administrator & the will annexed on the estate of said Julia M., there being no person named in the said will, the executor thereof.
& the same is received & is referred to Monday, the 16 Oct Next, at 10 a.m., at the Council chamber in the City Hall, in Newport, for consideration, & it is ordered that notice thereof be published for 14 days once a week in the Newport Mercury. Benjamin B Howland, Probate Clerk, Sept 30.
Ref: Newport Mercury.
. 1866 Dec 29. Mortgages Sale
By virtue of a power of sale contained in a Mortgage deed, made & executed by Elvinea W Jordan & Elizabeth E Jordan his wife, under date of Oct 26, 1863 v recored in Land Evidence of Newport, Book of Mortgages #6, p. 98 -99, there will be sold by Auction of the premises in Newport, 15 Dec, 12 o'clock noon, land bound as follows N land of R E Remington, E lands of heirs of Wm Smith, part on lands late Julia M Lawrence & partly on land of XX Cox.
Ref: Newport Mercury, 1866 Nov 17 & Dec 29.
Recorded for further research: District Court for the Southern District of NY in the case of US Vs. The Julia Lawrence, decided by Judge Betts in 1860. - - - [1]
- ABRAHAM LINCOLN LETTERS:
Newport, Dec 29 (1861). His Excellency Abraham Lincoln, President United States,
Honor'd & respected Sir, some weeks since, I took the liberty to address a letter to you in behalf of my Nephew Mr. Delaney M. Neill, a youth of high minded noble quality, who wished a Lieutenancy in the regular Army, & I am proud to say will be a credit to the Profession. He is now recruiting in this native State of New York, as first Lieutenant of his Regiment & who I should esteem it a personal favor if he receives the Appointment thr'o my influence, having never before asked a favor from the Government but as the widow of the late Captain James Lawrence who fell in the War of 1812 with the England while defending the Flag of his Country, {abroad] the ill fated Frigate Chesapeake, I feel entitled to some consideration, & to hope that you will hereby grant my request.
Most respectfully yours, Julia M. Lawrence.
- The writer of this I understand to be the widow of Commodore Lawrence, whose dying words, "Dont give up the ship" are so well known. She should be obliged, if possible. Signed, A. Lincoln, Jan. 16. 1862.
- It appears that Mrs. Lawrence's nephew did not receive the requested appointment. - Daniel Worthington
Notes: accompanying this letter.
1. Mrs. Lawrence's other letter has not been found.
2. The precise identify of Mrs. Lawrence's nephew remains a mystery. She named her only daughter Mary Neill Lawrence. The nephew in question might be Delancey Neill, who the Census 1870 was living in the household of a Joseph A Neill, also a Edward Montaudevert Neil who served during the was as an assist adjutant general with Ambrose Burnside IV Cprs. Army of Potomac. Delancy Neill would have only been 16 or 17 years old in 1861. 3. Another possibility J DeLancey Neil, Lieut., 101 NYV Infantry.
Ref: Records of the Chief Clerk & Admin Assit. Washington, DC., Published in the Jul 2009 Quarterly Newsletter of Lincoln Editor.
Research & transcriptions by PJ Ahlberg. Thank you. - - -
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1788 - 1865 (77 years)