James Canon Jarvis (c. 1787 – 2 February 1800) was a midshipman in the United States Navy during the Quasi-War with France.
Sent aloft in command of the topmen to secure Constellation's unsupported mainmast, he refused to come down when warned that the mast might topple: "My post is here.
[1][2] Honoring Jarvis for his bravery and devotion to duty, the Sixth Congress by Joint Resolution 29 March 1800 deemed his conduct "deserving of the highest praise" and his loss "a subject of National regret.
"[1][2] "Resolved, That the conduct of James Jarvis, a midshipman in said frigate, who gloriously preferred certain death to an abandonment of his post, is deserving of the highest praise; and that the loss of so promising an officer is a subject of national regret."
[2] This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.