The southern press., 1851-10-18
Commodore Warrinxteu.

we ma, IN Coopers Naval History, the fol-
lowing account Of the actions in the war Of 1912,
in which Commodore Warrington was engaged
In March, 1914, the Peacock. 10, Capt. War.
rngton," went TO sea, and proceededto the south
ward as far as "the Great Isaacs," cruising in
that vicinity, and along the Florida shore, to Cape
Carnaveral.
On the 18th Of April, in lat 27.F North, and
long, 800, the Peacock made three sail TO wind.
ward, under convoy Of large brig of war. The
merchantmen hauled up to z. N. T., and the brig
edged away for the Peacock. They were soon
alongside, and a close action commenced. The
American vessel received two 32-pound shot in
the quarter Of her foreyard from the enemy q first
broadside, which rendered the headsails nearly
useless. This injury compelled the Peacock to
light running large, and prevented much man
euyring, the combat being effectualIy decided by
gunnsry, Al the end OF % minutes, the enemy
struck, and possession was taken OF him.
The prize was III. b, M, Epervier, ls, Captain
Wales. She was EXTENSIVELY injured, having re-
ceived no less than IS shot in her hull, aud had %
men killed and wounded. Her msin-topmast was
over the side, her main boom was shot away, her
foremast lettering, her bowsprit badly injured,
standing rigging much out, and FIVE feet of water
in the hold. The Peacock received bu, little inju
ry, that which was done the foreyard being the
principal, while her hull escaped almost entirely
not round shot touching it. No person was
killed, and only two men were wounded.
ThsPeaeock wasa heavier vessel than the Eper-
vier, while as usual the disparity inthe loss was
infinitely greater than in the force The metal was
nominay the same Il but il the shot of the Peacock
was as short Of weight az these OF the Wasp are
known TO have been, she threw at abroadside only
twenty pound Of metal more than her antagonist.
The Epsrvier mounted 10 thirtytvopound carron-
AIDES, and il would seem, had no chase guns her
was found $4,000 in specie.
In one hour after the retreat from quarters was
beat, the Peacock was, in all respects, ready for
another action. The Epervier struck about IL A.
NJ, and by sunset was put in condition TO carry
sail II was only by the greatest exertions, how
ever, that she wos at first kept from sinking. Mr..
Nicholson did his duty successfully, and with
great .ieadiness and ingenuity.
Mr.. J. o. Nicholson, the first lieutenant oil tn.
Peacock, was put in charge Of the prize, with d.
rections to make the best Of his way to Savannah
The Southern coast was then much infested blythe
enemy, and as Captain Warrington knew he was
liable to be brought into action at any moment, he
determined to convey his prize into port.
| Shortly amer this gallant exploit Of Warrington,
the Peacock sailed on cruise for the enemy seas,
the Bay Of Biscay, the coast Of Portugal, and
among the islands, constantly changing her posi-
ton to evade the English squadrons. After pass
ing over some Of the best cruising ground in the
Atlantic, the ship returned to New York at the
end Of October, without having fallen in with an
enemy Of force proper for her to engage. Sh'
captured, however IA sail Of merchantmen.
The Peacock, commanded by Warrington. wal
one Of Commodore Decatur's force, in 1914. des
tined To the East Indies, where it was though