Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1854-07-13
CAPTURE OF THE GUERRERO.

| 1OuAoc VI VIZ Pt-PSASt "A- - -
be from an unquestionable source, and
characteristic Of the GOODNESS, prudence,
and superior skill of the gallant Amerl-
can Commodore.
The anecdote is doubtless correct in
each important particular. A person
who was on board the Constitution
when the event took place, gives the fol-
lowing version:
The Guerrero was lying-to. The
Constitution was leisurely bearing down
upon the enemy under three top-sails
every man was at his station, and all
on board were eager for the contest,
when the Guerrero commenced the ac-
ton at long shot.
Capt. Hall gave peremptory order
to his officers not to apply a single
match until he gave the word. In a
few minutes a forty-two pound shot
from the Guerrero took effect and kill
ed and wounded some of our brave
tars.
Lieut.. Morris Immediately left his sta
ton on the gun-deck to report the same
to the Captain and request permission TO
return the fire, as the men were very
desirous to engage the enemy.
'Mr: Morris was the Commodore's
reply, ARE you ready on the gun-deck?
yes, SIR
We'll, keep so-but don't let gun
be fred till / give the word
In few moments Mr.. Morris again
appeared, and stated that he could with
difficulty restrain the men from giving
the enemy a broadside-so anxious
were they to commence the engage
ment.
Mr.. Norris reiterated the Commo-
dore. intently gazing on the English
frigate, Are you ready for action on
the gun deck
Yes, sir; and it will be impossible
for me any longer to restrain the men
from firing on the foe. Their passions
are wrought up to the highest possible
pitch of excitement. Several of our
brayest men are already killed and
wounded
! Keep cool, Mr.. Morris-keep cool =
See all prepared, and do not suffer a
gun to be fired, till l give the word
The gallant lieutenant went below
In few moments, the vessels having
neared each other, to within pistol-shot
distance, Morris was sent for to appear
on the quarterback.
Are you ready for action, Mr.. Nor
ris?' again demanded the Commo-
dore
we are ready, sir, and the men are
muttering horrid imprecations because
they are not suffered to return the fire
F, upon the enemy
Fire, then, in Gods nameP shouted
the Commodore, in voice of thunder.
1t is added that he wore, at the time,
a pair of Nankeen tights-and he ac-
companied this soul-cheeing order with
such stamp on the deck with his right
foot, that the unfortunate pantaloons
were completely split from the knee to
the waist-band
The conduct of Dacres, before and
during the action, was such as might
have been expected from a brave and
generous enemy. Mr.. Reed, young
man belonging to Brewster, Mass, at
present respectable ship master out of
Boston, had been pressed on board the
Guerriere, few weeks previous to the
engagement. Several other American
seamen were also on board. When the
Constitution was bearing down in such
gallant style, and it became evident that
a severe action with an American frig
ate was inevitable, Mr. Reed left his
station and proceeded to the quarter
deck, and respectfully but firmly repre-
sented to Capt Dacres. that he was an
American citizen. unjustly detained on
board the English frigate; that he had
hitherto faithfully performed the duties
assigned him; but thst it could not be
reasonably expected that he would fight
against his countrymen. He therefore,
begged leave to decline the honor of
participating in the engagement.
The English captain frankly told him
that he appreciated his patriotic feelings;
that he did not wish the Americans on
board to fight against their countrymen;
and he subsequently ordered them into
the cockpit to assist the surgeons if
necessary.
Reed left the spar-deck after the
Guerrero had commenced action. Sew
eral shots were known to have taken ef-
feet, but the Constitution had not yet
fred a gun, much to the amusement of
the British tars, who predicted that the
enemy would be taken without any re-
sistance, with the exception of veteran
man-of-war's man, who was in the bat
tie of the Nile, and grufiy observed,
with a single shake of his head, That
d-d Yankee knows what he's about
A few moments passed away, and the
| Constitution poured in her tremendous
broadside-every gun was double shot
ted and we'll pointed; and the effect it
had on the enemy can hardly be con-
ceived. Mistimed jests and jeers at the
imperturbable, but harmless Yankees,
gave place to the groans of the dying;
and sixteen poor mutilated creatures
were tumbled down into the cock pit
from the effects of the first broadside.
| Dacres fought as long as spar was
standing, or gun could be brought 10
bear upon the enemy; but when his
masts were completely shot away, his