The Mississippi Creole. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1841-1851, 1850-06-29
NornbeY 43
A NARROW ESCAPE.


Of lmprobability though we cannot nndertake
TO say that no such thing occurred, We can
hardly suppose that naval commanders would
venture to rush into hostlites with no better
warrant than mere casual reports supplied by
chance encounter with an unknown informs
ant, If such thing is possible, however, It
seems to us that It would he worth while to
make provisions against hazard Of such re-
suit
Il would be satisfactory i the writer in the
News would give the names Of the English
and American vessels referred 10, and Of their
commanders.
In conversation day or two since, with
one Of our gallant naval officers, he communi-
Gated to me remarkable incident connected
with the war which did not break out between
the United States and Great Britain no the
North Eastern Boundary question, few Yeas
since. You will rccoect that at one time
c rupture between III 4pntries on that
subject was considr cny 3 W. BY great
many whose opini Die ned led to consid-
Grafton. About sdnpEtr lid he fine morning
frigate OF our navy sped large ship on the
horizon, which, alter a few hours sailing,
proved to be first class lrigate Of the British
navy, belonging to the West India Squadron.
BY an extraordinary coincidence, the cons
mander of the British vessel had few days
previously hailed ship, the captain Of which
informed him that the United States had
declared war against England on the boundary
lduestion; and the captain of vessel which
the meIcan commander had hailed, reported
that England had declared war against the
United States. Thus the two commanders
were under the impression that the respe ctive
countries were at war, and they consequently
prepared for fight. Simultaneously and as
# by concert, the American and British flags
were hoised, and soon after, the order to
Prepare for nction--double shot the gnns'
were given on board each Iessel. In FIVE Minis
utes, both were ready to commence the work
of death and destruction.
, The vessels were within = miles Of each
s'othsrgnd then commenced trial of scaman>
. ship, Of nautical skill, each using every arti-
fee and every expedent TO get to the winds
n ward Of the other, in order 10 aelect position
that would enable the successful one to do
the other the mostinjury by a single broadside.
/ For six long hours did the two friga,es strive
in this way. Never were orders given in
4 clearer voice, or more readily or willingly ex
ocutad Rnt II haconna ohnsrant tbot IN eofl.
= ing qualities the American was superior to
. the British frigate, and that in another tack
e she would accomplish what tie commander
. was so skilfully striving to do. She bouted
| slap went round beautifully, and directed her
= course towards the supposed enemy. Soon
the (rgate approached. Not word was spoken
A or even whispered by any Of the officers or
crew Of either vessel The eyes Of all were
n intently and eargerly fixed on the commanders,
q who, trumpet in hand, occupied a position
=, where they could be seen by all, and from
which their orders would be heard by all
The gnnners We're at their guns, the matches
d were in their tT IT. all ready to be ins,unta-
IT noously applied. m Acre as silent as death
d itself. ~
l. And now the VESSELS are quite close, and
Is the order to fire is about TO be given-S
is dreadful suspense eusues-lhe american come
cd mandor applied the trumpet to his mouth-he
'h speuks' Frgate ahoyl' No answer for q
~ moment. 'Frigate ahoL' Awful suspense
es Hallol was the answer, at last. ANY news
is from England?1 mo- was rcspondei in
y deep, clear and s6norous voice. The crew
u gave vent to little Of their pent-up excite
rs ment. Where are you bound!' Havana,
oy Frigate ahoy!' said the British commando
- in his turn. 'Hallo!' was the responce =
re ANY news from the United states!' No,
ID A pause which lasted for few minutes =
Where are you bound!' 'Havana3
~ Simultaneously hustle ensued on boart
20 both lrigates. In defiance Of discipline, th
Nh men lett the guns, aud it was full quarter q
ia an hour before they could satisfy themselvc
he that they were not going into an engagem' n,
~. Wishing each other prosperous passage, tn
-. two vessels altered their course aud head
to ed for the port of their destination.
In few days they reached Havana, th
American fIigate some. twelve hours in az
les vance. When the British vessel got to al
a's chor, she was saluted by the American, an
zen the compliment was returned. Ia the evenin
'ed the two commanders supped together, on
ghl communicated to each other the iOacuracy
7th the intelligence which had, by singular co
cidence, been conveyed to both. r. you hu
fred single gum said the American cor
ton mander, would have fred broadside in
ne yon.' MY crew. said hssBdtish comma
3" der, were at their posts, and prepared on /
frs. hostile demonstration to engage with yo
,os, need hardly say that tho two command
srn made night Of il,' and parted bosom friel