The Charlotte journal. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1835-1851, 1843-10-17


from the long Tom Of the privateer, which
interrupted his solIloquy, and passed
thro' his main royal, aud shortly after,
another walked through the butt Of all
three top-sals (; and momonl after, third
struck his starboatd quarter, knocking The
splnters about in every direction, while the
ladies' below screamed at the top of their
lungs to mend the matter.
Now, my lads SAID ST. John, quietly
addressing his crew, send up our ensign
at the peak, and stand by to shorten SAIL
Continuing his course Tor moment, that
the privaieer might distinctly see his colors,
be then put down his helm, hauled close
upon the wind, and stood towards her, Just.
" considering ii folly to a,temp, farther es.
cape while every sho, raked him fore and
aft. That he might 90 into action 10 true
man.of war fashion, ST. John next ordered
to take in the royals, fore and mlzzeu top
gallant saiis, and flying jib; hauled up the
course, and depressed both batteries for
close quarters, aud made every preparation
for small arms and cullasses, TO eat off the
privaleer if possible, and, in any event TO
send some Of the Jonathans 10 Ddvy S
locker.
This change 10 the Euglishman's course
produced corresponding one in the priva
teer. lie shortened SAIL and peIceiylng
that the fndlaman intended 10 show eight
continued to blaze away with his long for
~ two, directing his shots solely 10 her
decks, not wishing either to carry away
her spars, or hi, her between wind and wa
I ter, aud thoroughly understanding gunue.
ry, his round shot coursed along the decks
aud cabiu of the indaman with terrible
precision, causing some fright and some
positive INJURY to her limid passengers.
! They were, however, soon buddled up in
the run IA security, not one caring to fight
for his dinner; St. John having coldly told
them that they would certainly be captured
by the prlvateer, but that he was delerlniu
ed to have the satisfaction Of peppetng the
Yankees somewhat any how.
! This, however, was not so safe an under.
taking for, as the privateer rapidly near
cd them, grape-shot we're added 10 round in
her forty two, which scattered around with
their wonted fatal aud appalling effect,
while The round shot continued 10 perform his
usual careful and scientific manner, tearing
up the decks, dashlng 10 the buIwarks, and
knocking those terrible missiles, the spin.
ters, among the crew while the crowds oil
armed men, now distinctly seen clustering
about the decks Of the prlvaieer, showed
full plainly that she was amply prepared for
the combat hand to hand.
As one after another Of the lndiaman's
crew were cut down by one or the other of
these destructlyes, the remainder, instead
Of being cowed, were, with true bulldog
spirit, only the more exasperatcd, working
ship with gtea, speed aud uudaunled brave.
~ and when the privateer began to open
upon them with hls larboard battery, they
immediately returned the same IN coin very
>piii,edy and the long lorly.two Of the
American being nov neglected for the no.
ment, the combat became more equal, each
vessel working Cight twelve Founders Of
side.
The commander Of The prjvateer was
much surprised al meeting such determined
resistance where he had expected ablect
submission aud rs the vessels neared, soon
became aware, from the destructive effect
of the English fire upon his crowded decks, ,
that he must pat an end to the present
game Immediately and trust to boarding for
success. He accordingly changed his
course so ne 10 pass across the bow Of the ,
lndlaman, intending to rake him thorough .
" and then board him but 81. John, who
was now in his clement, loudly cheering
his men, and fighting most determinedly, 4
was fully aware Of his intention; and fall
ing off before the wind also let drive the
sarboard battery down upon The decks Of
the American and among his rigging, car.
rying away her fore gatf, and the throat
and peak -haiyards of her mainsall which
last came laundering down BY the run and
then, despite the broadslde Of The schooner,
which swept along his decks IN thunder and
flame, he Instantly hauled again upon the
wind so that disabled as was the privateer,
she lay right ia his course and was appar
emily doomed 20 he run down by the I'm
mense hull of the indiaman.
This seemingly inevitable result was pre-.
vented, and tho whole aspec, of the combat
changed by one OF those small events which
have so often turned the tide OF battle.
At the moment of receiving the India
mans broadsIde, there we're two men at the
prlvateer's wheel; the one at the Ice wheel
was instantly killed by grape shot, while
the other, who escaped unhuft, in his en-.
deavor 10 free the wheel from the grasp of
the dying man, forgetting the helm was a
spoke or two u lee, put it hard up. The
schooner still had Roadway upon her, aud
the wind, acting upon her disabled sail,
suddenly brought her head around to port,
SO that, she being point upon the India
mans starboard bow, her jlb boom just
swept clear of the ships cu,water, and in
an instant she was lying along her weather.