Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1839-10-31
e. GUERRIERRE.

An anecdoie relating 10 the capture of The
Guerrierre, has lately gone the rounds OF
the papers, which is stated TO have been
from an unquestionnble source, and char
actcrstc of the GOODNESS, prudence aud
superior skill Of the gallant American com
mander. The anecdote is doubtless correct
in each important particular, although we
have often heard il related with some addit.
ions and slight variations, by person who
was on board the CONSTITUTION when the &C.
currence took place. His version was as
follows:
The Guerricrre was lying TO. The Con-
stitution was leisurely bearing down upon
the enemy under three t"psois-every man
was at his respective station, and all on board
were eager for the contes,-when the Guer-
rierre commenced the action at long shot,
Commodore Hull gave a percmp'ory order
to his officers not to apply single match
until he gave the word. In few minutes a
forty two FOUNDER from the Guerrcrrc took
effect. and killed and wounded some Of our
brave tars. Lieut. Morris Immediately left
his station Oh the guDdcck TO report the
same To the Commodore and requested per-
mission TO return the fire, as the men were
very desirous to engage the enemy. "Mr.
Morris" was the Commodore's reply, are
you ready Tor action on the gun-deck ?"
"Ycs sir"
swell, keep so but don't let gun be
fred ill give the word"
In q few minutes Mr.. Morris again appear
ed, aud stated that he could with difficulty
restrain the men from giving brondslde, SO
snxious were they TO commence The engage
mcnt,"
"Mr. Norris" reiterated the Commodore,
intentIy gazing on the English frigate, are
you ready for action on the gun-deck ?"
ayes, strand it is impossible for lne any
longer TO restrain tho men from firing on the
foe. Their passions are wrought up TO the
highest possible pitch Of excitement. Sew
eral of our bravcst seamcn are killed or
wounded"
"Keep cool, Mr.. Morris, keep cool. See
all prepared, aud do not suffer gun to be
fred I'LL give the word
The gallant Lieutenant went below. In {
few moments, the vessels having ncoret
each other, to within pistol.shot distance
Morris was sent for TO appear on the quartz
deck.
care you all ready for action, Mr.. Morris?'
again demanded the Commodore.
awe orc nil ready, strand the mon nut
tcring horrid imprecotions because they ar.
no, suffered to return the fire Of the enemy. ;
Fire, then, in Gods name ~ shouted ih'
Commodore, iu voice Of thunder. 1T ls ad
dcd that he were at the time pair OF nnnklr
tights and he accompanied his soul cheer
ing order with such n trernc cndous stamp or
the deck with his right foot, that the unforiu-
nate pantaloons were completely split open
from ih- knee To- The waistbapd.
The conduct oi Dacres, before and during
the action. was such as might be expected
from a brave and generous enemy. Mr..
Reed, young man belonging To brewster,
Mass. at present y respectable ship master
ont ~ Boston. had been pressed on board the
Gucrrerre a few weeks previous to the en-
gageDent. Several other American senmen
were also on board. Whca the Constitution
was bearing down in such gallant style, and
IL becnme evident that n severe action with
on American frigate was inevitable. young
Reed left his station and proceeded To- the
quarter deck, aud respectfully, but hrmly re-
presented to Capt. Dncrcs, that he was an
American citizen. who hid been unjus,ly de-
tnined on board the English higaic,l that hc
had hitherto faithfully Prrformcd Tic duties
which were assigned him, that u could