As acting lieutenant, Cowell was severely wounded, losing a leg, in the action on 28 March 1814 between the frigate USS Essex and HMS Phoebe and HMS Cherub off Valparaiso, Chile. Refusing to be carried below, Cowell cheered his companions on through the remainder of the action. He was carried on shore, and exhibited such gallantry and courage under severe pain until his death on 18 April that the people of Valparaiso honored him with a burial place in their principal church; a most unusual honor for a foreigner.
Source: Naval History & Heritage Command including Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.
