Chapter XII: Section 2: And be it further resolved, That the President of (1)

the United States be, and he hereby is, requested to present to
Lieutenant Elliott of the navy of the United States, an elegant
sword, with suitable emblems and devices, in testimony of the
just sense entertained by Congress of his gallantry and good
conduct in boarding and capturing the British brigs Detroit and
Caledonia, while anchored under the protection of Fort Erie.

Approved January 29, 1813.

_____

_Captain Hull to the Secretary of the Navy._ (p. 155)

To the Honourable United States frigate Constitution,
Paul HAMILTON, at Sea, July 21, 1812.
Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

Sir: In pursuance of your orders of the 3d instant, I left
Annapolis on the 5th instant, and the Capes on the 12th, of which
I advised you by the Pilot that brought the ship to sea.

For several days after we got out the wind was light and ahead,
which with a strong southerly current prevented our making much
way to the northward. On the 17th at 2 P.M., being in 22 fathoms
water off Egg Harbour, four sail of ships were discovered from
the mast head to the northward and in shore of us; apparently
ships of war. The wind being very light, all sail was made in
chase of them, to ascertain whether they were enemy's ships or
our squadron having got out of New York waiting the arrival of
the Constitution, the latter of which I had reason to believe was
the case.

At 4 in the afternoon a ship was seen from the mast head bearing
about N. E., standing for us under all sail, which she continued
to do until sundown, at which time she was too far off to
distinguish signals, and the ships in shore were only to be seen
from the tops, they were standing off to the southward, and
eastward. As we could not ascertain before dark what the ship in
the offing was, I determined to stand for her and get near enough
to make the night signal. At 10, in the evening, being within six
or eight miles of the strange sail, the Private Signal was made,
and kept up nearly one hour, but finding she could not answer it,
I concluded she and the ships in shore were enemies. I
immediately hauled off to the southward and eastward, and made
all sail, having determined to lay off till day light, to see
what they were. The ship that we had been chasing, hauled off
after us, showing a light, and occasionally making signals,
supposed to be for the ships in shore.

_July 18th._ At daylight, or a little before it was quite light,
saw two sail under our lee, which proved to be frigates of the
enemy--one frigate astern, within about five or six miles, and a
line-of-battle ship, a frigate, a brig and schooner, about ten or
twelve miles directly astern, all in chase of us, with a fine
breeze, and coming up very fast, it being nearly calm where we
were. Soon after sunrise the wind entirely left us, and the ship
would not steer, but fell round off with her head towards the two
ships under our lee. The boats were instantly hoisted out and
sent ahead to tow the ship's head round, and to endeavour to get
her farther from the enemy, being then within five miles of three
heavy frigates. The boats of the enemy were got out, and sent
ahead to tow, which, with the light air that remained with them,
they came up very fast. Finding the enemy coming fast up, and but
little chance of escaping from them, I ordered two of the guns on
the gun deck, ran out at the cabin windows for stern guns on the
gun deck, and hoisted one of the 24-pounders off the gun deck,
and run that, with the forecastle gun, an 18-pounder, out at the
ports on the quarter deck, and cleared the ship for action, being
determined they should not get her without resistance on our
part, notwithstanding their force and the situation we were
placed in.

At about seven in the morning the ship nearest us (p. 156)
approaching within gunshot and directly astern, I ordered one of
the stern guns fired to see if we could reach her, to endeavour
to disable her masts, found the shot fell a little short, would
not fire any more. At 8 four of the enemy's ships nearly within
gunshot, some of them having six or eight boats ahead towing,
with all their oars and sweeps out to row them up with us, which
they were fast doing. It now appeared that we must be taken, and
that our escape was impossible, four heavy ships nearly within
gunshot and coming up fast, and not the least hope of a breeze to
give us a chance of getting off by outsailing them.

In the situation, finding ourselves in only twenty-four fathoms
water (by the suggestion of that valuable officer, Lieutenant
Morris), I determined to try and warp the ship ahead by carrying
out anchors and warping her up to them. Three or four hundred
fathoms of rope was instantly got up, and two anchors got ready
and sent ahead, by which means we began to gain ahead of the
enemy. They however soon saw our boats carrying out the anchors,
and adopted the same plan, under very advantageous circumstances,
as all the boats from the ship furthermost off were sent to tow
and warp up those nearest to us, by which means they again came
up, so that at 9 the ship nearest us began firing her bow guns,
which we instantly returned by our stern guns in the cabin and on
the quarter deck. All the shots from the enemy fell short, but we
have reason to believe that some of ours went on board her, as we
could not see them strike the water. Soon after 9 a second
frigate passed under our lee and opened her broadside, but
finding her shot fell short, discontinued her fire, but
continued, as did all the rest of them, to make every possible
exertion to get up with us.

From 9 to 12, all hands were employed in warping the ship ahead,
and in starting some of the water in the main hold, to lighten
her, by which, with the help of a light air, we rather gained of
the enemy, or at least held on our own. About 2, in the
afternoon, all the boats from the line of battle ship, and some
of the frigates, were sent to the frigate nearest to us, to
endeavour to tow her up, but a light breeze sprung up, which
enabled us to hold way with her, notwithstanding they had eight
or ten boats ahead, and all her sails furled to tow her to
windward. The wind continued light until 11 at night, and the
boats were kept ahead towing and warping to keep out of the reach
of the enemy, three of the frigates being very near us. At 11, we
got a light breeze from the southward, the boats came alongside,
and were hoisted up, the ship having too much way to keep them
ahead, the enemy still in chase and very near.

_July 19th._ At daylight passed within gun shot of one of the
frigates, but she did not fire on us, perhaps for fear of
becalming her as the wind was light. Soon after passing us she
tacked and stood after us. At this time six sail were in sight
under all sail after us. At 9, in the morning, saw a strange sail
on our weather beam, supposed to be an American merchant ship.
The instant the frigate nearest us saw her, she hoisted American
colours, as did all the squadron, in hopes to decoy her down. I
immediately hoisted English colours, that she might not be
deceived. She soon hauled her wind, and it is to be hoped made
her escape. All this day the wind increased gradually, and we
gained on the enemy, in the course of the day, six or eight
miles, they however continued chasing us all night under a press
of sail.

_July 20th._ At daylight in the morning only three of them (p. 157)
could be seen from the mast head, the nearest of which was
about twelve miles off directly astern. All hands were set at
work wetting the sails, from the royals down, with the engine and
fire-buckets, and we soon found that we left the enemy very fast.
At quarter past 8, the enemy finding that they were fast dropping
astern, gave over the chase, and hauled their own wind to the
northward, probably for the station off New York. At half-past 8,
saw a sail ahead, gave chase after her under all sail. At 9, saw
another strange sail under our lee bow. We soon spoke the first
sail, discovered and found her to be an American brig from St.
Domingo, bound to Portland. I directed the captain how to steer
to avoid the enemy, and made sail for the vessel to leeward. On
coming up with her, she proved to be an American brig from St.
Bartholomews, bound to Philadelphia, but on being informed of
war, she bore up for Charleston, S. C.

Finding the ship so far to the southward and eastward, and the
enemy's squadron stationed off New York, which would make it
impossible for the ship to get in there, I determined to make for
Boston to receive your further orders, and I hope that my having
done so will meet your approbation. My wish to explain to you as
clearly as possible why your orders have not been executed, and
the length of time the enemy were in chase of us, with various
other circumstances, have caused me to make this communication
much longer than I would have wished, yet I cannot (in justice to
the brave officers and crew under my command) close it without
expressing to you the confidence I have in them, and assuring you
that their conduct whilst under the guns of the enemy was such as
might have been expected from American officers and seamen.

I have the honour to be, with great respect, Sir, your obedient
humble servant,
Isaac HULL.

_____

_Captain Hull to the Secretary of the Navy._

To the Honourable United States Frigate Constitution,
Paul HAMILTON, Off Boston Light, August 30, 1812.
Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

Sir: I have the honour to inform you that on the 19th instant, at
2 P.M., being in latitude 41° 42´, longitude 55° 48´, with the
Constitution under my command, a sail was discovered from the
masthead bearing E. by S. or E. S. E., but at such a distance we
could not tell what she was. All sail was instantly made in
chase, and we soon found we came up with her. At 3 P.M. could
plainly see that she was a ship on the starboard tack, under easy
sail, close on a wind; at half past 3 P.M. made her out to be a
frigate; continued the chase until we were within about three
miles, when I ordered the light sails taken in, the courses
hauled up, and the ship cleared for action. At this time the
chase had backed his main top-sail, waiting for us to come down.
As soon as the Constitution was ready for action, I bore down
with an intention to bring him to close action immediately; but
on our coming within gunshot she gave us a broadside and filled
away, and wore, giving us a broadside on the other tack; but (p. 158)
without effect; her shot falling short. She continued wearing
and manoeuvering for about three-quarters of an hour, to get
a raking position, but finding she could not, bore up, and
run under topsails and gib, with the wind on the quarter.
Immediately made sail to bring the ship up with her, and five
minutes before 6 P.M. being alongside within half pistol shot,
we commenced a heavy fire from all our guns, double-shotted with
round and grape, and so well directed were they, and so warmly
kept up, that in fifteen minutes her mizzen-mast went by the
board, and her mainyard in the slings, and the hull, rigging and
sails were very much torn to pieces. The fire was kept up with
equal warmth for fifteen minutes longer, when her main-mast and
fore-mast went, taking with them every spar, excepting the
bowsprit; on seeing this we ceased firing, so that in thirty
minutes after we got fairly alongside the enemy she surrendered,
and had not a spar standing, and her hull below and above water
so shattered that a few more broadsides must have carried her
down.

After informing you that so fine a ship as the Guerrière,
commanded by an able and experienced officer, had been totally
dismasted, and otherwise cut to pieces, so as to make her not
worth towing into port, in the short space of 30 minutes, you can
have no doubt of the gallantry and good conduct of the officers
and ship's company I have the honour to command. It only remains,
therefore, for me to assure you, that they all fought with great
bravery; and it gives me great pleasure to say, that from the
smallest boy in the ship to the oldest seaman, not a look of fear
was seen. They all went into action giving three cheers, and
requesting to be laid close alongside the enemy.

Enclosed I have the honour to send you a list of killed and
wounded on board the Constitution, and a report of the damages
she has sustained; also a list of the killed and wounded on board
the enemy, with his quarter-bill, &c.

I have the honour to be, with very great respect, Sir, your
obedient servant,

Isaac HULL.

Killed and wounded on board the United States frigate
Constitution, Isaac Hull, Esquire, Captain, in the action with
His Britannic Majesty's frigate Guerrière, James A. Dacres,
Esquire, Captain, on the 20th of August, 1812:

_Killed_: W. S. Bush, Lieutenant of Marines, and 6 seamen 7
_Wounded_: Lieutenant C. Morris, Master J. C. Aylwin,
4 seamen, 1 marine 7
--
Total killed and wounded 14

United States frigate Constitution, August 21st, 1812.

T. S. CHEW, _Purser_.
Isaac HULL, _Captain_.

Killed and wounded on board His Britannic Majesty's frigate
Guerrière:

_Killed_: 3 officers, 12 seamen and marines 15
_Wounded_: J. A. Dacres, Captain, 4 officers, 57 seamen and
marines 62
_Missing_: Lieutenants Pullman and Roberts, and 22 seamen and
marines, supposed to have gone overboard with the
masts 24
---
Total killed, wounded and missing 101

_____

_Captain Hull to the Secretary of the Navy._ (p. 159)

To the Honourable United States Frigate Constitution,
Paul HAMILTON, Boston, August 30, 1812.
Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

Sir:
- - - - -

I cannot but make you acquainted with the very great assistance I
received from that valued officer, Lieutenant Morris, in bringing
the ship into action, and in working her whilst along side the
enemy, and I 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 and gratitude
of his country, for this and the many gallant acts he has done in
its service. Were I to name any particular officer as having been
more useful than the rest, I should do them great injustice; they
all fought bravely, and gave me every possible assistance that I
could wish. I am extremely sorry to state to you the loss of
Lieutenant Bush, of marines; he fell at the head of his men in
getting ready to board the enemy. In him our country has lost a
valuable and brave officer. After the fall of Lieutenant Bush,
Lieutenant Contee of the corps, took command of the marines, and
I have pleasure in saying that his conduct was that of a brave,
good officer, and the marines behaved with great coolness and
courage during the action, and annoyed the enemy very much whilst
she was under our stern.

I have the honour to be, with very great respect, Sir, your
obedient servant,
Isaac HULL.

No. 26. (p. 160) PLATE XXVII.

_October 18, 1812._

Jacobus Jones virtus in ardua tendit. [Rx]. Victoriam hosti
majori celerrime rapuit.

CAPTAIN JACOB JONES.

[_Capture of the Frolic._]

IACOBUS JONES VIRTUS IN ARDUA TENDIT. (_Jacob Jones. Valor seeks difficulties._) Bust of Captain Jones, in uniform, facing the right. On edge of bust, FÜRST. F. (_fecit_).

VICTORIAM HOSTI MAJORI CELERRIME RAPUIT. (_He quickly snatched victory from a superior enemy._) Naval action between the United States sloop-of-war Wasp, of eighteen guns, Captain Jones, and the British sloop-of-war Frolic, of twenty-two guns, Captain Whinyates. The Wasp has lost her main-topmast, and is raking the Frolic as she lays her on board. The Americans are in possession of the enemy's forecastle. Exergue: INTER WASP NAV. AMERI. ET FROLIC NAV. ANG. DIE XVIII OCT. MDCCCXII. (_Inter Wasp navem Americanam et Frolic navem Anglicanam, die 18 Octobris, 1812: Between the American vessel Wasp and the English vessel Frolic, October 18, 1812._) On the platform, FÜRST. F. (_fecit_).

MORITZ FÜRST was born in Presburg, Hungary, and studied with Würt, a die sinker in the Imperial Mint of Vienna. He was for a time superintendent of the Royal Mint of Lombardy. In 1807 he was engaged by the American Consul at Leghorn as die sinker to the United States Mint, arrived the same year in America, and entered on his duties in the spring of 1808. He made nearly all the medals voted by Congress to the army and navy for the War of 1812-1815, and the Indian medals of Presidents Monroe, John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson, and Martin Van Buren. He resided for many years in New York.

JACOB JONES was born near Smyrna, Kent County, Delaware, in March, (p. 161) 1770. He first studied medicine, but entered the navy as midshipman in 1799, was lieutenant in 1801, was taken prisoner in the frigate Philadelphia, off Tripoli, 1803, and remained in captivity for twenty months. Having been commissioned as master-commandant in 1810, he was given, in 1811, the sloop-of-war Wasp, with which he captured the British sloop-of-war Frolic, Captain Whinyates, October 18, 1812. For this gallant action Congress gave him a vote of thanks and a gold medal. He became captain in 1813, and received the frigate Macedonian. He afterward commanded squadrons in the Mediterranean and in the Pacific; was a member of the Naval Board and governor of the Naval Asylum in Philadelphia, where he died, August 3, 1850.

[Footnote 78: The resolution of Congress voting
this medal is given under No. 25, page 154.]

_____

ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS.

_Captain Jacob Jones to the Secretary of the Navy._

To the Honourable
Paul HAMILTON, New York, November 24th, 1813.
Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

Sir: I here avail myself of the first opportunity of informing
you of the occurrences of our cruise, which terminated in the
capture of the Wasp, on the 18th of October, by the Poictiers, of
74 guns, while a wreck from damages received in an engagement
with the British sloop-of-war Frolic, of 22 guns; 16 of them
32-pound carronades, and four twelve-pounders on the main deck,
and two twelve-pounders, carronades, on the top-gallant
forecastle, making her superior in force to us by four
twelve-pounders. The Frolic had struck to us, and was taken
possession of, about two hours before our surrendering to the
Poictiers.

We had left the Delaware on the 13th. The 16th had a heavy gale,
in which we lost our jib-boom and two men. Half-past 11, on the
night of the 17th, in the latitude of 37 degrees north, and
longitude 65 degrees west, we saw several sail; two of them
appeared very large. We stood from them for some time, then
shortened sail, and steered the remainder of the night the course
we had perceived them on. At daylight, on Sunday the 18th, we saw
them ahead, gave chase, and soon discovered them to be a convoy
of six sail, under the protection of a sloop-of-war, four of them
large ships, mounting from 16 to 18 guns. At 30 minutes past 11,
A.M., we engaged the sloop-of-war, having first received her
fire at the distance of fifty or sixty yards, which space we (p. 162)
gradually lessened until we laid her on board, after a well
supported fire of 43 minutes; and although so near, while
loading the last broadside, that our rammers were shoved against
the side of the enemy, our men exhibited the same alacrity which
they had done during the whole of the action. They immediately
surrendered upon our gaining their forecastle, so that no loss
was sustained on either side after boarding.

Our main-topmast was shot away between four and five minutes from
the commencement of the firing, and falling, together with the
main-topsail yard, across the larboard fore and fore-topsail
braces, rendered our head-yards unmanageable the remainder of the
action. At eight minutes the gaff and main-topgallant-mast came
down, and at twenty minutes from the beginning of the action,
every brace and most of the rigging was shot away. A few minutes
after separating from the Frolic, both her masts fell upon deck,
the main-mast going close by the deck, and the fore-mast twelve
or fifteen feet above it.

The courage and exertions of the officers and crew fully answered
my expectations and wishes. Lieutenant Biddle's active conduct
contributed much to our success by the exact attention paid to
every department during the engagement, and the animating example
he afforded the crew by his intrepidity. Lieutenants Rodgers,
Booth, and Mr. Rapp shewed, by the incessant fire from their
divisions, that they were not to be surpassed in resolution or
skill. Mr. Knight and every other officer acted with a courage
and promptitude highly honourable, and, I trust, have given
assurance that they may be relied on whenever their services may
be required.

I could not ascertain the exact loss of the enemy, as many of the
dead lay buried under the masts and spars that had fallen upon
deck, which two hours exertion had not sufficiently removed. Mr.
Biddle, who had charge of the Frolic, states that, from what he
saw and from information from the officers, the number killed
must have been about thirty, and that of the wounded about forty
or fifty: of the killed is her first lieutenant and sailing
master; of the wounded Captain Whinyates and the second
lieutenant.

We had five killed and five wounded, as per list; the wounded are
recovering. Lieutenant Claxton, who was confined by sickness,
left his bed a little previous to the engagement, and though too
weak to be at his division, remained upon deck, and shewed, by
his composed manner of noting incidents, that we had lost, by his
illness, the services of a brave officer.

I am, respectfully yours, etc.,
Jacob JONES.

No. 27. (p. 163) PLATE XXVIII.

_October 25, 1812._

Stephanus Decatur navarchus, pugnis pluribus, victor. [Rx].
Occidit signum hostile sidera surgunt.

CAPTAIN STEPHEN DECATUR.

[_Capture of the Macedonian._]

STEPHANUS DECATUR NAVARCHUS, PUGNIS PLURIBUS, VICTOR. (_Stephen Decatur, a naval captain, conqueror in many battles._) Bust of Captain Decatur, in uniform, facing the right. FÜRST. F. (_fecit_).

OCCIDIT SIGNUM HOSTILE SIDERA SURGUNT. (_The enemy's standard falls, the stars arise._) Naval action between the United States frigate United States, of forty-four guns, Captain Decatur, and the British frigate Macedonian, of forty-nine guns, Captain Carden; the United States, to leeward, is firing her port broadside; the Macedonian has lost her mizzenmast, her fore and main-topmasts, and her mainyard. Exergue: INTER STA. UNI. NAV. AMERI. ET MACEDO. NAV. ANG. DIE XXV OCTOBRIS MDCCCXII. (_Inter United States navem Americanam et Macedonian navem Anglicanam, die 25 Octobris, 1812: Between the American vessel United States and the English vessel Macedonian, October 25, 1812._) On the platform, FÜRST. F. (_fecit_).

STEPHEN DECATUR was born in Sinnepuxent, Worcester County, Maryland, January 5, 1779. He was appointed a midshipman, 1798; a lieutenant, 1799; served in the Mediterranean under Commodore Dale, 1801, and under Commodore Preble, 1803; and, while in command of the Intrepid, destroyed the Philadelphia, off Tripoli, February 15, 1804. For this gallant deed he was immediately promoted to the rank of captain. (p. 164) He commanded a division of gunboats under Preble in the subsequent attacks on Tripoli. On October 25, 1812, when in command of the frigate United States, he captured the British frigate Macedonian, Captain John Carden, for which action Congress gave him a vote of thanks and a gold medal. In January, 1815, he left New London as commodore, having his flag on the President, but was soon afterward captured by an English fleet. The same year he sailed for the Mediterranean in command of a squadron, and made treaties with Algiers, Tunis, and Tripoli. On his return home he became a member of the Naval Board. He was shot in a duel by Commodore Barron, at Bladensburg, Maryland, March 22, 1820, and died the same evening.

_____

ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS.[79]

[Footnote 79: The resolution of Congress voting
this medal is given under No. 25, page 154.]

_Captain Decatur to the Secretary of the Navy._

To the Honourable United States ship United States,
Paul HAMILTON, at Sea, October 30, 1812.
Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

Sir: I have the honour to inform you, that on the 25th instant,
being in the latitude 29°, N., longitude 29°, 30', W., we fell in
with, and, after an action of an hour and a half, captured His
Britannic Majesty's ship Macedonian, commanded by Captain John
Carden, and mounting 49 carriage guns (the odd gun shifting). She
is a frigate of the largest class, two years old, four months out
of dock, and reputed one of the best sailors in the British
service. The enemy being to windward, had the advantage of
engaging us at his own distance, which was so great, that for the
first half hour we did not use our carronades, and at no moment
was he within the complete effect of our musketry or grape: to
this circumstance and a heavy swell, which was on at the time, I
ascribe the unusual length of the action.

The enthusiasm of every officer, seaman, and marine on board this
ship, on discovering the enemy; their steady conduct in battle,
and precision of their fire, could not be surpassed. Where all
met my fullest expectations, it would be unjust for me to
discriminate. Permit me, however, to recommend to your particular
notice my first Lieutenant, William H. Allen. He has served with
me upwards of five years, and to his unremitted exertions in
disciplining the crew, is to be imputed the obvious superiority
of our gunnery exhibited in the result of this contest.

Subjoined is a list of the killed and wounded on both sides. (p. 165)
Our loss, compared with that of the enemy, will appear small.
Amongst our wounded, you will observe the name of Lieutenant
Funk, who died in a few hours after the action: he was an
officer of great gallantry and promise, and the service has
sustained a severe loss in his death.

The Macedonian lost her mizzen-mast, fore and main-top-masts and
main yard, and was much cut up in her hull. The damage sustained
by this ship was not such as to render her return into port
necessary, and had I not deemed it important that we should see
our prize in, should have continued our cruize.

With the highest consideration, I am, yours, etc.,
Stephen DECATUR.

Killed 5
Wounded 7--1 since dead.
--
12

MACEDONIAN.

Killed 36
Wounded 68
---
104

No. 28. (p. 166) PLATE XXIX.

_December 29, 1812._

Gulielmus Bainbridge patria victisque laudatus. [Rx]. Pugnando.

CAPTAIN WILLIAM BAINBRIDGE.

[_Capture of the Java._]

GULIELMUS BAINBRIDGE PATRIA VICTISQUE LAUDATUS. (_William Bainbridge praised by his country and by the vanquished foe._) Bust of Captain Bainbridge, in uniform, facing the right; underneath, a star. FÜRST. F. (_fecit_).

PUGNANDO. (_In fighting._) The naval action is over. The British frigate Java, of forty-nine guns, Captain Lambert, is completely dismasted; while the United States frigate Constitution, of forty-four guns, Captain Bainbridge, is but slightly damaged in her rigging. Exergue: INTER CONST. NAV. AMERI. ET JAV. NAV. ANGL. DIE XXIX DECEM. MDCCCXII. (_Inter Constitution navem Americanam et Java navem, Anglicanam, die 29 Decembris, 1812: Between the American vessel Constitution and the English vessel Java, December 29, 1812._) FÜRST. F. (_fecit_).

WILLIAM BAINBRIDGE was born in Princeton, New Jersey, May 7, 1774. He began life in the merchant service, but entered the navy as lieutenant in 1798, was master-commandant in 1799, and captain in 1800. With the frigate George Washington he went to Algiers, whence he conveyed an ambassador to Constantinople, the George Washington being the first American vessel ever seen there. He commanded the Philadelphia when she was lost off Tripoli, November 1, 1803. After his return to the United States he did not serve again afloat till 1812, when he obtained the command of the Constitution; and on December 29 of the same year he captured the British frigate Java, Captain Lambert, (p. 167) for which action Congress gave him a vote of thanks and a gold medal. After the war he commanded twice in the Mediterranean, and after 1821 served on shore, commanding different navy yards, and was president of the Naval Board. He died in Philadelphia, July 28, 1833.

_____

ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS.

_Resolution of Congress Voting Medals to Captain Bainbridge, etc._

_Resolved unanimously by the Senate and House of Representatives
of the United States of America in Congress assembled_: That the
President of the United States be, and he is hereby, requested to
present to Captain William Bainbridge, of the frigate
Constitution, a gold medal, with suitable emblems and devices;
and a silver medal,[80] with suitable emblems and devices, to
each commissioned officer of the said frigate, in testimony of
the high sense entertained by Congress of the gallantry, good
conduct, and services of Captain Bainbridge, his officers, and
crew, in the capture of the British frigate Java, after a brave
and skillful combat.

[Footnote 80: The silver medals are copies of the
one in gold given to Captain Bainbridge.]

Approved March 3, 1813.

_____

_Captain Bainbridge to the Secretary of the Navy._

To
THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY, United States frigate Constitution,
Washington, D. C. St. Salvador, January 3d, 1813.

Sir: I have the honour to inform you that on the 29th ultimo, at
2 P.M., in south latitude 13°, 06', and west longitude 39°, ten
leagues distance from the coast of Brazils, I fell in with and
captured His Britannic Majesty's frigate Java, of 49 guns, and
upwards of 400 men, commanded by Captain Lambert, a very
distinguished officer. The action lasted one hour and fifty-five
minutes, in which time the enemy was completely dismasted, not
having a spar of any kind standing. The loss on board the
Constitution was 9 killed and 25 wounded, as per enclosed list.
The enemy had 60 killed and 101 wounded, certainly (among the
latter, Captain Lambert, mortally), but by the enclosed letter,
written on board the ship (by one of the officers of the Java),
and accidentally found, it is evident that the enemy's wounded
must have been much greater than as above stated, and who must
have died of their wounds previously to their being removed. The
letter states 60 killed and 170 wounded.

For further details of the action, I beg leave to refer you (p. 168)
to the enclosed extracts from my journal. The Java had in
addition to her own crew upwards of one hundred supernumerary
officers and seamen, to join the British ships-of-war in the East
Indies: also Lieutenant-General Hyslop, appointed to the command
of Bombay, Major Walker and Captain Wood, of his staff, and
Captain Marshall, master and commander in the British navy, going
to the East Indies to take command of a sloop-of-war there.

Should I attempt to do justice, by representation, to the brave
and good conduct of all my officers and crew, during the action,
I should fail in the attempt; therefore, suffice it to say, that
the whole of their conduct was such as to merit my highest
encomiums. I beg leave to recommend the officers particularly to
the notice of government, as also the unfortunate seamen who were
wounded, and the families of those men who fell in the action.

The great distance from our own coast, and the perfect wreck we
made the enemy's frigate, forbid every idea of attempting to take
her to the United States; and not considering it prudent to trust
her in a port of Brazils, particularly St. Salvador, I had no
alternative but burning her, which I did on the 31st ultimo,
after receiving all the prisoners and their baggage, which was
very tedious work, only having one boat left (out of eight) and
not one left on board the Java.

On blowing up the frigate Java, I proceeded to this place, where
I have landed all the prisoners on their parole, to return to
England and there remain until regularly exchanged, and not serve
in their professional capacities in any place or in any manner
whatever, against the United States of America, until the
exchange shall be effected.

I have the honour to be, &c.,
W. BAINBRIDGE.

_____

_Extract from Captain Bainbridge's Journal, containing minutes of the action with the British frigate Java._

"_Wednesday, December 30th, 1812_ (nautical time) in latitude 13
degrees, 6 minutes South, and longitude 39 West, ten leagues from
the coast of Brazil, commences with clear weather and moderate
breezes from east north-east, hoisted our ensign and pendant. At
15 minutes past meridian, the ship hoisted her colours, an
English ensign having a signal flying at her main, red, yellow
and red. At 1.26 P.M. being sufficiently from the land, and
finding the ship to be an English frigate, took in the main-sail
and royals, tacked ship and stood for the enemy. At 1.50 P.M. the
enemy bore down with the intention of raking us, which we avoided
by wearing. At 2 P.M. the enemy being within half a mile of us,
and to windward, and having hauled down his colours, except an
Union Jack at the mizzen-mast head, induced me to give orders to
the officers of the 3d division to fire one gun ahead of the
enemy to make him show his colours, which being done, brought on
a fire from us of the whole broadside, on which the enemy hoisted
his colours and immediately returned our fire. A general action
with round and grape then commenced, the enemy keeping at a (p. 169)
much greater distance than I wished, but could not bring him to
closer action without exposing ourselves to several rakes.
Considerable manoeuvres were made by both vessels to rake and
avoid being raked. The following minutes were taken during
the action:

"At 2.10 P.M. commenced the action within good grape and canister
distance, the enemy to windward, but much further than I wished.
At 2.30 our wheel was shot entirely away; 2.40, determined to
close with the enemy, notwithstanding his raking, set the fore
and main-sail and luffed up close to him; 2.50, the enemy's
jib-boom got foul of our mizzen rigging; 3, the head of the
enemy's bowsprit and jib-boom shot away by us; 3.5, shot away the
enemy's foremast by the board; 3.15, shot away his main-top-mast
just above the cap; 3.40, shot away gaff and spanker boom; 3.55,
shot away his mizzenmast nearly by the board; 4.5, having
silenced the fire of the enemy completely, and his colours in
main rigging being down, supposed he had struck, then hauled
aboard the courses to shoot ahead to repair our rigging, which
was extremely cut, leaving the enemy a complete wreck. Soon after
discovered the enemy's flag was still flying; hove to, to repair
some of our damage; 4.20, the enemy's main-mast went nearly by
the board; 4.50, wore ship and stood for the enemy; 5.25, got
very close to the enemy in a very effectual _raking position_,
athwart his bows, and was at the very instant of raking him, when
he most prudently struck his flag, for had he suffered the
broadside to have raked him, his additional loss must have been
extremely great, as he laid an unmanageable wreck upon the water.

"After the enemy had struck, wore ship and reefed the topsails,
then hoisted out one of the only two remaining boats we had left
out of eight, and sent Lieutenant Parker, 1st of the
Constitution, to take possession of the enemy, which proved to be
His Britannic Majesty's frigate Java, rated 38 but carried 49
guns, and manned with upwards of 400 men, commanded by Captain
Lambert, a very distinguished officer, who was mortally wounded.
The action continued, from the commencement to the end of the
fire, one hour and fifty-five minutes. The Constitution had 9
killed and 25 wounded. The enemy had 60 killed and 101 certainly
wounded, but by a letter written on board the Constitution, by
one of the officers of the Java, and accidentally found, it is
evident the enemy's wounded must have been considerably greater
than as above stated, and who must have died of their wounds
previously to their being removed. The letter states 60 killed
and 170 wounded. The Java had her own complement of men complete,
and upwards of one hundred supernumeraries, going to join the
British ships-of-war in the East Indies; also several officers,
passengers, going out on promotion. The force of the enemy in
number of men, at the commencement of the action, was no doubt
considerably greater than we have been able to ascertain, which
is upwards of 400 men. The officers were extremely cautious in
discovering the number. By her quarter bill she had one man more
stationed at each gun than we had.

"The Constitution was very much cut in her sails and rigging, and
many of her spars injured. At 7 P.M. the boat returned with
Lieutenant Chads, the first lieutenant of the enemy's frigate,
and Lieutenant-General Hyslop (appointed governor of Bombay),
Major Walker and Captain Wood, belonging to his staff. Captain
Lambert, of the Java, was too dangerously wounded to be (p. 170)
removed immediately. The cutter returned on board the prize for
the prisoners, and brought Captain Marshall, master and commander
of the British navy, who was passenger on board, as also several
other naval officers, destined for ships in the East Indies.

"The Java was an important ship, fitted out in the completest
manner, to carry Lieutenant-General Hyslop and staff to Bombay,
and several naval officers for different ships in the East
Indies; and had despatches for St. Helena, Cape of Good Hope, and
every British establishment in the India and China seas. She had
on board copper for a 74 and two brigs building at Bombay, and I
expect a great many other valuables; but everything was blown up
in her except the officers' baggage, when we set her on fire at 3
P.M., on the 1st of January, 1813 (nautical time)."

[Copy.]

_H. D. Corneck to Lieutenant Wood._

Prisoner on board the American frigate Constitution.
To LIEUTENANT PETER V. WOOD,
22d Regiment of Foot, St. Salvador, Brazils, January 1st, 1813.
Isle of France or Bourbon, East Indies.

My dear Sir: I am sorry to inform you of the unpleasant news of
Mr. Gascoigne's death. Mr. Gascoigne and myself were shipmates in
Marlboro', and first came to sea together. He was shot in the
early part of the action by a round shot in his right thigh, and
died a few minutes after; four others of his messmates shared the
same fate, together with 60 men killed and 170 wounded. The
official account you no doubt heard of before this reaches you. I
beg you will let all his friends and relations hear of his
untimely fate. We were on board the Java frigate for a passage to
India, when we fell in with this frigate. Two parcels I have sent
you under good care. Hope this will reach you safe.

Yours truly,
H. D. CORNECK.

[A true copy.]
William BAINBRIDGE.

No. 29. (p. 171) PLATE XXX.

_September 4, 1813._

Edward [Rx]. McCall navis Enterprise præfectus. Sic itur ad astra.
[Rx]. Vivere sat vincere.

LIEUTENANT EDWARD RUTLEDGE McCALL.

[_Capture of the Boxer._]

EDWARD R. _(Rutledge)_ McCALL NAVIS ENTERPRISE _(sic)_ PRÆFECTUS. SIC ITUR AD ASTRA.[81] (_Edward Rutledge McCall, Commander of the vessel Enterprize. Thus one attains glory._) Bust of Lieutenant McCall, in uniform, facing the right. FÜRST. F. (_fecit_).

[Footnote 81: Virgil, Æneid, Book IX, 641.]

VIVERE SAT VINCERE. (_To conquer is to live enough._) Naval engagement between the United States brig-of-war Enterprize, of fourteen guns, Lieutenant-Commander Burrows, and the British brig-of-war Boxer, of fourteen guns, Captain Blythe. The Enterprize is raking the Boxer, fore and aft. The latter has lost her main-topmast. Exergue: INTER ENTERPRIZE NAV. AMERI. ET BOXER NAV. BRIT.[82] DIE IV SEPT. MDCCCXIII. (_Inter Enterprize navem Americanam et Boxer navem Britannicam, die 4 Septembris, 1813: Between the American vessel Enterprize and the British vessel Boxer, September 4, 1813._) FÜRST. F. (_fecit_).

[Footnote 82: It is singular that on some of the
silver coins of Great Britain the abbreviation
BRIT. (Britanniarum) is spelled with one _t_, and
on some of the copper coins, with two _t's_, thus,
BRITT.]

EDWARD RUTLEDGE MCCALL was born in Charleston, South Carolina, August 5, 1790. He entered the navy in January, 1808. In 1813 he was first lieutenant of the Enterprize, under Lieutenant Burrows, in the action with the Boxer, took the command after that officer fell, and captured the British vessel, for which gallant deed Congress gave him a (p. 172) vote of thanks and a gold medal. He afterward served in the Mediterranean under Commodore Perry, was promoted to the rank of master-commandant in 1825, and to that of captain in 1835. He died in Bordentown, New Jersey, July 31, 1853.

_____

ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS.

_Resolution of Congress Voting Medals to Lieutenants McCall, Burrows, etc._

_Resolved unanimously by the Senate and House of Representatives
of the United States of America in Congress assembled_: That the
President of the United States be requested to present to the
nearest male relative of Lieutenant William Burrows, and to
Lieutenant Edward R. McCall, of the brig Enterprize, a gold
medal, with suitable emblems and devices; and a silver medal,[83]
with like emblems and devices, to each of the commissioned
officers of the aforesaid vessel, in testimony of the high sense
entertained by Congress of the gallantry and good conduct of the
officers and crew in the conflict with the British sloop Boxer,
on the fourth of September, in the year 1813. And the President
is also requested to communicate to the nearest male relative of
Lieutenant Burrows the deep regret which Congress feel for the
loss of that valuable officer, who died in the arms of victory,
nobly contending for his country's rights and fame.

[Footnote 83: The silver medals are copies of the
one in gold given to Lieutenant McCall.]

Approved January 6, 1814.

_____

_Captain Hull to the Secretary of the Navy._

To the Honourable United States Navy Yard, Portsmouth,
William JONES, September 14th, 1813.
Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

Sir: I have the honour to forward to you, by the mail, the flags
of the late British brig Boxer, which were nailed to her
mast-heads at the time she engaged, and was captured by, the
United States brig Enterprize.

Great as the pleasure is that I derive from performing this part
of my duty, I need not tell you how different my feelings would
have been, could the gallant Burrows have had this honour.

He went into action most gallantly, and the difference of injury
done the two vessels proves how nobly he fought.

I have the honour to be, &c.,
Isaac HULL.

_____

_Lieutenant McCall to Captain Hull._ (p. 173)

To United States Brig Enterprize,
Isaac HULL, Esq., Portland, September 7th, 1813.
United States Navy Yard, Portsmouth.

Sir: In consequence of the unfortunate death of
Lieutenant-Commander William Burrows, late commander of this
vessel, it devolves on me to acquaint you with the result of our
cruize. After sailing from Portsmouth on the 1st instant, we
steered to the eastward, and on the morning of the 3d, off Wood
Island, discovered a schooner, which we chased into this harbour,
where we anchored. On the morning of the 4th weighed anchor and
swept out, and continued our cruize to the eastward. Having
received information of several privateers being off Manhagan, we
stood for that place; and on the following morning, in the bay
near Penguin Point, discovered a brig getting under weigh, which
appeared to be a vessel of war, and to which we immediately gave
chase. She fired several guns and stood for us, having four
ensigns hoisted. After reconnoitering and discovering her force,
and the nation to which she belonged, we hauled upon a wind to
stand out of the bay, and at 3 o'clock shortened sail, tacked and
ran down with an intention to bring her to close action. At 20
minutes after 3 P.M., when within half pistol shot, the firing
commenced from both, and after being warmly kept up, and with
some manoeuvering, the enemy hailed and said they had
surrendered, about 4 P.M. Their colours being nailed to the
masts, could not be hauled down. She proved to be His Britannic
Majesty's brig Boxer, of 14 guns, Samuel Blythe, Esquire,
commander, who fell in the early part of the engagement, having
received a cannon shot through the body. And I am sorry to add
that Lieutenant Burrows, who had gallantly led us to action, fell
also about the same time by a musket ball, which terminated his
existence in eight hours.

The Enterprize suffered much in spars and rigging, and the Boxer
both in spars, rigging and hull, having many shots between wind
and water. It would be doing injustice to the merit of Mr.
Tillinghast, 2d lieutenant, were I not to mention the able
assistance I received from him during the remainder of the
engagement, by his strict attention to his own division and other
departments. And the officers and crew, generally, I am happy to
add, from their cool and determined conduct, have my warmest
approbation and applause.

As no muster roll that can be fully relied on came into my
possession, I cannot exactly state the number killed on board the
Boxer; but from information received from the officers of that
vessel, it appears that there are between twenty and twenty-five
killed, and fourteen wounded. Enclosed is a list of killed and
wounded on board the Enterprize.

I have the honour to be, &c.,
Edward R. M'CALL, _Senior Officer_.

_Killed_ 1, _Wounded_ 13; of whom Lieutenant Burrows, Commander,
Midshipman Kervan Waters, and carpenter's mate Elisha Blossom,
have since died.

No. 30. (p. 174) PLATE XXXI.

_September 4, 1813._

Victoriam tibi claram. patriæ mæstam. [Rx]. Vivere sat vincere.

LIEUTENANT WILLIAM BURROWS.

[_Capture of the Boxer._]

VICTORIAM TIBI CLARAM. PATRIÆ MÆSTAM (_sic_). (_A victory brilliant for thee, sorrowful for thy country_). A funeral urn upon a tomb is surrounded with naval emblems; a crown of laurel is hanging from a trident, and in a cartoon of elliptical form: W. (_William_) BURROWS. FÜRST. F. (_fecit_).

VIVERE SAT VINCERE. (_To conquer is to live enough._) Naval engagement between the United States brig-of-war Enterprize, of fourteen guns, Lieutenant-Commander Burrows, and the British brig-of-war Boxer, of fourteen guns, Captain Blythe. The Enterprize is raking the Boxer, fore and aft. The latter has lost her main-topmast. Exergue: INTER ENTERPRIZE NAV. AMERI. ET BOXER NAV. BRIT. DIE IV SEPT. MDCCCXIII. (_Inter Enterprize navem Americanam et Boxer navem Britannicam, die 4 Septembris, 1813: Between the American vessel Enterprize and the British vessel Boxer, September 4, 1813._) FÜRST. F. (_fecit_).[84]

[Footnote 84: The resolution of Congress voting
this medal, and the official reports of the capture
of the Boxer, are given under No. 29, page 171.]

WILLIAM BURROWS was born in Kenderton, near Philadelphia, October 6, 1785. He entered the navy as midshipman, January 4, 1800; served in the Constitution under Commodore Preble in the campaign against Tripoli; returned to America about 1807 as lieutenant, and served in different vessels on various stations. In the summer of 1813, he obtained the command of the sloop-of-war Enterprize, with which, (p. 175) on September 5, he engaged the British sloop-of-war Boxer, Captain Blythe, but was killed in the beginning of the action, as was also the commander of the enemy's vessel, and they were both buried with military honors at Portland, Maine. Congress, by joint resolution, approved January 6, 1814, requested the President of the United States to present to the nearest male relative of Lieutenant Burrows a gold medal, and to communicate to him the deep regret they felt at this officer's loss.

No. 31. (p. 176) PLATE XXXII.

_September 10, 1813._

Oliverus H. Perry, princeps stagno Eriense. classim totam
contudit. [Rx]. Viam invenit virtus aut facit.

CAPTAIN OLIVER HAZARD PERRY.

[_Victory of Lake Erie._]

OLIVERUS H. (_Hazard_) PERRY. PRINCEPS STAGNO ERIENSE. CLASSIM TOTAM CONTUDIT. (_Oliver Hazard Perry, commander-in-chief, destroyed on Lake Erie an entire fleet._) Bust of Captain Perry, in uniform, facing the right.

VIAM INVENIT VIRTUS AUT FACIT. (_Valor finds or makes a way._) The United States fleet on Lake Erie, carrying fifty-four guns, and commanded by Captain Perry, stands out to meet the British fleet with sixty-three guns, under Captain Barclay. Exergue: INTER CLASS. AMERI. ET BRIT. DIE X. SEP. MDCCCXIII. (_Inter classim Americanam et Britannicam, die 10 Septembris, 1813: Between the American and British fleets, September 10, 1813._) FÜRST. F. (_fecit_).

OLIVER HAZARD PERRY was born in South Kingston, Rhode Island, August 23, 1785. He entered the navy as a midshipman, April 7, 1799, on the sloop-of-war General Greene, then commanded by his father, Captain Christopher Raymond Perry. He served in the Mediterranean during the Tripolitan war, was made lieutenant in 1807, and master-commandant in 1812, when he received a division of gunboats at Newport, Rhode Island. In February, 1813, he was transferred to the command on Lake Erie, where, on September 10, he defeated and captured the entire British squadron under Captain Barclay. For this important victory he received the thanks of Congress and a gold medal, and was promoted to the rank of captain, and as such commanded the Java in the (p. 177) Mediterranean for several years. In March, 1819, he set out with a squadron for the coast of South America, and died of yellow fever at Port Spain, Trinidad, August 23, 1819. The remains of Commodore Perry were transferred, in 1827, by order of the Government, in the United States ship Lexington, to Newport, Rhode Island. His battle-flag on Lake Erie, with the motto "Don't give up the ship!" is preserved in the Naval Academy, at Annapolis.

_____

ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS.

_Resolutions of Congress Voting Medals to Captains Perry, Elliott, etc._

_Resolved unanimously by the Senate and House of Representatives
of the United States of America in Congress assembled_: That the
thanks of Congress be, and the same are hereby, presented to
Captain Oliver Hazard Perry, and through him to the officers,
petty officers, seamen, marines, and infantry serving as such,
attached to the squadron under his command, for the decisive and
glorious victory gained on Lake Erie, on the tenth of September,
in the year 1813, over a British squadron of superior force.

_Resolved_, That the President of the United States be requested
to cause gold medals to be struck, emblematical of the action
between the two squadrons, and to present them to Captain Perry
and Captain Jesse D. Elliott, in such manner as will be most
honourable to them; and that the President be further requested
to present a silver medal,[85] with suitable emblems and devices,
to each of the commissioned officers, either of the navy or army,
serving on board, and a sword to each of the midshipmen and
sailing-masters who so nobly distinguished themselves on that
memorable day.

[Footnote 85: The silver medals are copies of the
ones in gold given to the captains of the
respective ships.]

_Resolved_, That the President of the United States be requested
to present a silver medal, with like emblems and devices, to the
nearest male relative of Lieutenant John Brooks, of the marines,
and a sword to the nearest male relatives of Midshipmen Henry
Lamb, and Thomas Claxton, jr., and to communicate to them the
deep regret which Congress feel for the loss of those gallant
men, whose names ought to live in the recollection and affection
of a grateful country, and whose conduct ought to be regarded as
an example to future generations.

_Resolved_, That three months' pay be allowed, exclusively of the
common allowance, to all the petty officers, seamen, marines, and
infantry serving as such, who so gloriously supported the honour
of the American flag, under the orders of their gallant
commander, on that signal occasion.

Approved January 6, 1814.

_____

_Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the (p. 178)
United States of America in Congress assembled_: That the
President of the United States be requested to present a sword to
the nearest male relation of Midshipman John Clarke, who was
slain gallantly combating the enemy in the glorious battle gained
on Lake Erie, under the command of Captain Perry, and to
communicate to him the deep regret which Congress feels for the
loss of that brave officer.

Approved February 19, 1814.

_____

_Captain O. H. Perry to the Secretary of the Navy._