The Sumter banner. [volume] (Sumterville, S.C.) 1846-1855, 1850-04-17

to gain ground of her opponent; but
without success. A constant firing
was kept up from both ships, until
about seven o'clock; when the Belyi
dcrc, having cut away her anchors
started number of water casks, and
thrown overheard her boats and every.
thing that could be spared, got out Of
the reach Of the Presidents shot.
The chase was continued till about
midnight, when it was given up as
hopeless. One Of the first shots fred
by the President killed one man and
wounded six on board the Belyidcrc;
and the Captain was severely wound.
cd in the thigh by the breaking Of the
brcaching of a coronado. On board
the President there werc three killed
and nineteen wounded by tho bursting
Of the gun as above related.
ESCAPE OF TIE CONSTITUTION
The frigate Constitution. commanded
by Capt. Isaac Hull, had rcceiv.
cd orders to join the squadron Gun
der Commodore Rodgcrs,) and, for
that purpose, sailed from Annapolis
on the 9th of July. On the 18th,
off Egg Harbour, four ships, appa-
rcntly men Of war, we're discovered
from the masthead to the northward;
and in shoro of the Constitution: and
in the belief that it was the American
squadron, waiting her arrival, all
sail was made in chase Of them. At
four o'clock in the afternoon, anoth-
CT ship was seen to the northeast,
standing for the Constitution, with
all sail set. At ten in the evening,
being then within six or eight miles
ofthc strange sail, the private signal
was made by the Constitution; which
not being answered, it was concluded
that she. and the ships in shore, we're
enemy's vessels. Captain Hull, i'm.
mcdiatcly laid his vessel in the same
course with tho others, having deter
mined to lie oif till daylight to see
,!'.nttr I'll s,ie Here,
seen from the Constitutan, under fYs
lee, one frigate four or five miles and
a line of battle ship, frigate brig,
and schooner, ten or twelve miles
directly astcrn, all in chase, and com.
ing up fast, they having fine breeze,
and it being nearly calm where the
Constitution was. Finding there was
but little chance for escape, being
then within five miles Of three heavy
frigates: the Constitution was cleared
for action, and two guns were run out
at tho cabin windows and two at the
ports on the quarterback. At eight
O'Clock, four Of the ships were nearly
within gunshot, somo Of them having
six or eight boats ahead, towing with
all their oars and sweeps out.
In this pcrilous situation a new cx.
pcdicnt was adopted, which was the
means Of saving the vessel. Being
i'll only twenty-four fathoms water,
boats we're sent out ahead with an.
chors, and the ship warped up to
them, by which they soon began to
get ahead of the enemy. They, how,
ever, adopted the same plan, and all
the boats from the most distant ships
were sent to assist those which we're
nearest. For two DAYS and nights
the Constitution wac chased by the
British squadron, sometimes with
light winds, at others, warping and
towing i'll calm; seldom much be.
yond gun.shot distance. On the
morning Of the Goth, only three OF
the squadron could be seen for tho
masthead, the nearest about twelve
miles distant, directly astcrn. a light
breeze now springins up, the enemy
was soon left far behind, and the
Constitution, not being able to find
the American squadron, arrived safe
at Boston.
During the, whole of the chase the
gallant crew Of the Constitution re-
maincd at their stations. 1t is rcla.
ted on good authority. that the Off.
GERS Of the British ships expressed
their admiration of the skill with
Captain Hull man@uvrcd his ship
and affected his escape.
But however brilliantly nautical
knowledge and professional adroit-
ness Of Capt. Hull were displayed on
that occasion, his generous disintcr.
cstcdncss afterwards, is worthy of
universal applause and imitation
The public notice taken Of tho affair,
and the praises bestowed on the com.
mander, induced him, on his arrival
at Boston, to insert the following card
on the books Of the Exchange Coffee
House.
Captain Hull, finding that his
friends in Boston are correctly in.
formed of his situation, when chased
by The British squadron of New York
and that they arc good enough to