Part 3 of 7 - Ibiblio

240 ATLANTIC THEATER
close alongside the chace. As we bore up she hoisted an English Ensign
at the Mizen Gaff, another in the Mizen Shrouds, and a Jack at the
Fore, and MizentopGallant mast heads. At 5 minutes past 5 PM. as we
were running down on her weather quarter She fired a Broadside, but
without effect the Shot all falling short, she then wore and gave us a
broadside from Larboard Guns, twO of which Shot Struck us but
without doing any injury. At this time finding we were within gunshot,
I ordered the Ensign hoisted at the Mizen Peak, and a Jack at the Fore
and MizentopGallant mast head, and a Jack bent ready for hoisting at
the Main , the Enemy continued wearing, and manceuvering for about
3/ 4 of an hour, to get the wind of us. At length finding that she could
not, she bore up to bring the wind, on the quarter, and run under her
Topsails, and Gib, finding that we came up very slow, and were receiv·
ing her shot without being able to return them with effect, I ordered
the MaintopGallant sail set, to run up alongside of her.
At 5 minutes past 6 PM being alongside, and within less than Pistol
Shot, we commenced a very heavy fire from all of our Guns, loaded
with round, and grape, which done great Execution, so much so that
in less than fifteen minutes from the time, we got alongside. his Mizen
Mast went by the board, and his Main Yard in the Slings, and the
Hull, and Sails very much injured, which made it very difficult for
them to manage her. At this time the Constitution had received but lit·
tIe damage, and having more sail set than the Enemy she shot ahead,
on seeing this I determined to put the Helm to Port, and oblige him to
do the same, or suffer himself to be raked, by our getting across his
Bows, on our Helm being put to Port the Ship came too, and gave us
an opportunity of pouring in upon his Larboard Bow several Broad·
sides, which made great havock amongst his men on the forecastle and
did great injury to his forerigging, and sails, The Enemy put his helm
to Port, at the time we did, but his MizenMast being over the Quarter,
prevented her coming too, which brought us across his Bows, with his
Bowsprit over our Stem. At this moment I determined to board him,
but the instant the Boarders were called, for that purpose, his
Foremast, and Mainmast went by the board, and took with them the
Gib-boom, and every other Spar except the Bowsprit. On seeing the
Enemy totally disabled, and the Constitution received but little injury I
ordered the Sails filled , to hawl off, and repair our damages and return
again to renew the action, not knowing whither the Enemy had struck,
or not, we stood off for about half an hour, to repair our Braces, and
such other rigging, as had been shot away, and wore around to return
JANUARY AUGUST 1812 241
to the Enemy, it being now dark, we could not see whether she had any
colours, nying or not, but could discover that she had raised a small
nag Staff or Jurymast forward . 1 ordered a Boat hoisted out, and sent
Lieutenant Reed' on board as a nag' to see whether she had sur·
rendered or nOl, and if she had to sec what assistance she wanted, as I
believed she was sinking. Lieutenant Reed returned in about twenty
minutes. and brought with him. James Richard Dacres Esqr. Commander
of his Britannic Majesty's Frigate the Guerriere, which ship
had surrendered, to the United States Frigate Constitution, our Boats
were immediately hoisted out and sent for the Prisoners, and were kept
at work bringing them and their Baggage on board, all night. At
daylight we found the Enemy's Ship a perfect Wreck, having many
Shot holes between wind, and water, and above Six feet of the Plank
below the Bends taken out by our round Shot, and her upperwork[s so)
shattered to pieces . that I determined to take out the sick and wounded
as fast as possible, and set her on fire , as it would be impossible to get
her inLO Port.
At 3 PM. all the Prisoners being out, Mr Reed was ordered toset fire
to her in the Store Rooms, which he did and in a very short time she
blew up. 1 want words to convey to you the Bravery, and Gallant conduct,
of the Officers, and the crew under by command during the ac.
tion. I can therefore only assure you , that so well directed was the fire
of the Constitution, and so closely kept up, that in less than thirty
minutes, from the time we got alongside of the Enemy (One of their
finest Frigates) She was left without a Spar Standing, and the Hull cut
to pieces, in such a manner as to make it difficult to keep her above
water, and the Constitution in a State to be brought into action in two
hours. Actions like these speak for themselves which makes it un.
necessary for me to say any thing to Establish the Bravery and Gallant
conduct of those that were engaged in it, Yet I cannot but make you
acquainted with the very great assistance I received from that valuable
officer Lieutenant Morris' in bringing the Ship into action, and in
working her whilst alongside the Enemy, and 1 am extremely sorry to
state that he is badly wounded, being shot through the Body. we have
yet hopes of his recovery, when I am sure, he will receive the thanks,
a nd gratitude of his Country, for this and the many Gallant acts he has
done in its Service.