The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1854-08-27
From, the N. O. PicayInc, Aug 90
THE CONSTITUTION AND GUERRERO.

Our readers will readily recognise these being
connected with of the most brilliant naval fa.s
chroncIed Yesterday the 10Th of August the forty
second anniversary of the gallant and glorious battle be-
tween the American frigate Constitution and the British
fga,e captured from the French) Guerrero the first
manded by the brave Hull and the latter by the proud
dashing Dacres.
AS suitable To the day. and pleasant "Reminiscences,
copy the following particulars of the action which
communicated to the Boston Gazette by officer of the
Constitution after its occurrence:
Latitude Al deg. AZ min. ~. longitude IS deg 80 min.
W. Thursday, August 20, fresh breeze from N. w. and
cloudy at p M discovered vessel to the southwark
made all sail in chase ut perceived the chase to be
ship on the sarboard tack, close hauled to the wind
hauled 5 W. at hali-past made out the chase to be
rigate at coming up with the chase very FAST ut quar-
ter before s. the chase laid her main topsa to the
took top-galan sails aiIs and flying jib took
second reef in the topsas hnled the up sent
the royal yards down. and got all clear for action beat to
quarters which the gave three cheers ut s. the
chase hoisted three English ensgns five minutes past
the enemy commenced firing; at twenty minutes past
set coors at each masthead and the mzzen
peak and began firing the enemy and continued to fire
occasionally he wearing very often, and mannuyrng
to close with him. and avoid being raked at G. set the
main top-gallant SAIL the enemy having bore up at FIVE
minutes past brought the enemy to close action, standing
before the wind mt fifteen minutes past G. the enemys
mizzen mast fell over on the sarboard side twenty min
ues past g. finding drawing ahead Of the enemy,
fuifed short round his bows to rake him; at twenty
five minutes past six the enemy fell board of his
bowspr foul of our mizzen rigging We prepared board
but Immediately after his fore and main by the
board, and it deemed unnecessary. Our cabin had
taken fire from his guns but extnguished without
material injury at thirty minutes past six shot ahead of
the enemy when the firing ceased both sides-hc
king the signal of submission by firing gun leeward
set foresa and mansa and hauled to the eastward
repair damagea braces, and much of our standing
and running rigging and Of spars being shot
At ship and stood under the lee of the
prize sent boat on board which returned at eight
with Capt Dacres, late of his Maestys ship Guerrero
mounting 40 carriage guns, and manned with 302
got our boats out and kept them employed in removing
the prisoners and baggage from the prize ship
Sent surgeons mate to assist in attending the wounded
wearing ship occasionally keep in the best position
receive the boats AT 20 minutes before Q M discover
ed sail off the arboard BEAM standing the south saw
oil clear for another action at the sail stood off again
at ay-light was hailed by the lieutenant on board the
prize who informed us he had four feet of in the
hold, and that she was in sinking condition. all hands
employed in removing the prisoners and repairing
damage, through the remainder of the day Friday,
the list commenced with light breezcs from the north
ward and peasantour boats and still employed
before At p ID, made the signal of recall tor boats
havng received all the prisoners they Immediately left
her on fire. and at quarterpast she blew up Our loss
in the action was seven killed and wounded among
the former Lieut. Bush of marines and among the latter
Lieut. Norris severely and Mr. Aylwin the MASTER slightly
On the part of the enemy Is killed aud GA wounded
Among the former Lieut. Ready I'd of the ship among
the latter Capt Dacres Lieut. Kent st Mr. Scott master
and masters mate.
the firing was commenced by the Guerrero Captain Hull
was at the time walking the quarterback Shortly after
the first fire from the British frigate, Lieutenant Morris
who severely wounded in the action came up from
the gun-deck, and informed Captain Hull that the enemy
had fired and killed two men-shall we return the fire.
No sir, replied Hull
Shortly after he again returned Sir, they have fired
again and killed two more men--shaii freg No sir
was the reply Ere few minutes had elapsed the gallant
Norris impatient for the contest appeared again andn
an earnest tone wished TO know whether they might
fire. Hull after pausing moment and surveying the
position of the ships, exclaimed Yes sir you may
fire.
The order was promptly obeyed and the effect pro-
duced by the first discharge showed with what proprey
the American commander had restrained the ardor and
of his brave When he saw the effect
of his fire he Immediately exclaimed by that vessel
is ours