United States War of 1812 Naval Officer. As a United States Navy Lieutenant, he distinguished himself during the Barbary War at Tripoli on board the "USS Constitution" in 1803. Serving during the War of 1812, he once again distinguished himself. In September 1813, as Commander of the Brig Enterprise, he engaged into combat with the British Brig "HMS Boxer", off Portland, Maine. Though mortally wounded, he lived long enough to win the battle and receive the surrender of his adversary. He was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest award which may be bestowed to any individual who performs an outstanding deed or act of service to the security, prosperity, and national interest of the United States of America. Three ships in the United States Navy have been named the "USS Burrows" in his honor. His father, William Ward Burrows Sr. was the First Commandant of the reconstituted Marine Corps, appointed by President John Adams in 1798.
United States War of 1812 Naval Officer. As a United States Navy Lieutenant, he distinguished himself during the Barbary War at Tripoli on board the "USS Constitution" in 1803. Serving during the War of 1812, he once again distinguished himself. In September 1813, as Commander of the Brig Enterprise, he engaged into combat with the British Brig "HMS Boxer", off Portland, Maine. Though mortally wounded, he lived long enough to win the battle and receive the surrender of his adversary. He was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest award which may be bestowed to any individual who performs an outstanding deed or act of service to the security, prosperity, and national interest of the United States of America. Three ships in the United States Navy have been named the "USS Burrows" in his honor. His father, William Ward Burrows Sr. was the First Commandant of the reconstituted Marine Corps, appointed by President John Adams in 1798.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
Inscription
Beneath this stone
molders
the body of Captain William Burrows,
Late Commander
of the
United States Brig Enterprise,
who was mortally wounded
On the 5th of Sept. 1813,
In an action which contributed
to increase the fame of
American valor, by capturing
His Britannic Majesty's
Brig Boxer,
after a severe contest of
forty-five minutes,
Aet. 48.
A passing stranger* has erected this monument of respect to the manes of a patriot, who in the hour of peril obeyed the loud summons of an injured country; and who gallantly met, fought and conquered the foeman.
Family Members
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