The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1843-08-08

on our shooting and firing. Our fought like III
gers. Some of them pulled off their jnckets Others
their jackets and vests while some, still do.
termned, had taken off their shirts, and with nothing
but handkerchief tied round the Wristbands Of their
,rowsers, fought like heroes. Jack Saddler, whom
the reader will recollect, was one Of these. also
observed boy named Cooper, stationed at gun
some distance from the magazine. IIn came to and
fro the full run, and appeared to be merry
cricket. The third lieutenant cbeered him along, oc.
casionally by saying, well done, my boy, you are
worth your weight in gold.'
have often been asked what my feelings du
ring this fight. felt pretty much lsuppose every
one does at such time. That are without
thought when they stand amid the dying and dead, is
too absurd an idea to be entertained moment. We
all appeared cheerful, but know that many a ser-
Gus thought ran through my mind; still, what could
we do but keep up sembance of animation To
run from our quarters would have been certain death
from the hands Of our officers; to give way to
gloom, or to show fear, would do good, and might
brand us with the Of towards, and ensure GER
tain defeat Our only true philosophy, therefore, was
TO make the best of our situation, by fighting bravely
and cheerfully. thought great deal, however, Of
me that the next instant might be before the Judge
of all the earth. For this, felt unprepared; but be-
ing without any particular knowledge of religious
truth, satisfied myself by repeating again and again
the Lords prayer, and promising that if spared
would be more attentive to religious duties than ever
before. This promise, had no doubt at the time,
of keeping; but have learned since that it is easier
10 make promises amidst the roar Of the battles thun-
der, in the horrors of shpwreck than to keep them
when danger is absent, and safety smiles upon our
path
While these thoughts secretly agitated my bosom,
the din of battle continued. Grape and canister shot
were pouring through portfolios like lcaden rain
carrying death in their trail The large shot came A.
gainst the ships side like iron hail, shaking her to
the very keel, or passing through her timbers and
scattering terrific splinters, which did n more nppal-
ling work than even their own DEATH giving blows
The reader may form idea of the effect Of rrnpc
and canister, when lie is told that grape shot is formed
by eight balls confined to an iron and tied in
CLOTH These balls are scattered by the explosion
of the powder. Canister shot is made by filing
powder canister with balls, each as large as two or
three musket balls these also scatter with dlrern eff
feet when discharged What then with splin,ers, can
us, the reader may be assured that the work of death
went on in manner which must have been satisiac-
tory even to the King of Terrors himself.
Suddenly, the rafting of the iron hail ceased We
were ordered TO firing. A profound silence en-
sued, broken only by the stihed groans of the brave
sufferers below 1t was ascertaned that the
enemy had shot ahead TO repair damages for she was
not disabled but she could sail without difficulty;
while we were so cut up that lay utterly help
less. Our head braces were shot away; the fore
and main top-masts gone; the mizzen mast
hung over the stern, having carried vera over
in its fall; we were in state of a complete wreck.
A council was was now held among the officers on
the quarter deck Our condition was perious in the
extreme: victory or escape was alike hopeless. Our
ship was disabled; many of our were killed, and
many more wounded. The enemy would without
doubt bear down upon in few moments, and as
she could now choose her position, would with
out doubt rake us fore and aft. Any further resis-
tence was, therefore, folly So, in spite of the hot
Drained lieutenant, Mr.. Hope, who advised them not
to strike, but to sink alongside, it determined to
strike our bunting. This done by the hands of
brave fellow named Watson, whose saddened brow
told how severely panied his lion heart to do it, To
me it was pleasing sight, for had fighting g.
nough for one Sabbath; than l wish to see
again on week day. Ills Britannia NTajesty's frig-
ate Macedonian was the prize Of tho American
Gigate United Sates.''
Town ON TREE. "Aly attention was ar
rested by beautiful and gigantic tree standing in
deile leading into an extensive wooden rayine be-