The two ships met at half past five in the afternoon, east of the Boston Light, between Cape Ann and Cape Cod. "Shannon" was flying a weather-worn blue ensign, and her dilapidated outside appearance after a long period at sea suggested that she would be an easy opponent. Observing the "Chesapeake"'s many flags, a sailor had questioned Broke: "Mayn't we have three ensigns, sir, like she has?" "No," said Broke, "we've always been an unassuming ship." HMS "Shannon" refused to fire upon USS "Chesapeake" as she bore down, nor did USS "Chesapeake" attempt to rake HMS "Shannon", despite having the weather gage. Lawrence's behaviour that day earned him praise from the British officers for gallantry.