Quasqueton guardian. (Quasqueton, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1856-1858, 1857-04-25

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the headmost ship of the squadron, and
not more than two in the rear of the chase.
Although Captain Buntline had deter
mined on fighting her, he still continued
under press of sail, for the purpose Of
drawing his adversary at such a distance
from the main body, as to preclude the
possibility of their interference in the
engagement. Another hour, however,
brought the Englishman within gun shot,
and, determined to secure every advan-
tage of circumstances, he put down his
helm, and bringing his battery to bear,
fired broadside into the still re treating
Rover.
It was not until that moment that Bunt-
line could ascertain the force of his
antagonist; but single glance, previous
to her filling away, convinced him of her
superiority.
Take in the light sails, and haul up
the courses said the commander of the
privateer and another moment beheld
the gallant brig moving along under her
two top sails.
Beat to quarters, and open the maga-
zine
'Ay, ay, sir, was the reply; and the
loud roll of the drum was heard, sum-
moning every man from the depths and
heights of the vessel to their respective
stations. In few moments the order to
cast loose the guns followed, and every
man commenced getting the iron ma
chimes ready for the work of death with
the alacrity and good humor peculiar to
a sailor, and with an expedition and regu-
larity that was the result of much previous
experience in like matters. The tompions
were taken out-the train and side tackles
cut adrift, the pumps rugged and the
decks sanded, fore and aft, to prevent
them from becoming slippery with blood;
cutlasses, pistols, and boarding pixies
placed in convenient situations about the
decks, the ports were triced up, the
matches closed with the exception of a
small opening, left for the purpose of
passing powder from below the logger
heads were heated, matches burned beside
every gun, and in short, every prepara-
ton was made that such cases rendered
expedient.
The Englishman had not yet taken in
any of his canvass, and was consequently
rapidly nearing the Rover. 1t was the
mutual desire of the commanders, that
their vessels should be brought into close
action-the Englishman, from wish to
decide the contest before the squadron
could be close enough to assist, and
thereby rob him of his anticipated glory;
and the American was confident that his
escape depended upon his success in dis
abling the only vessel in the feet, that
was his superior in sailing. AT length
but quarter of a mile interviewed between
the two ships, and the Briton commenced
handling his light sails-studding sails,
royals and courses were successfully
taken in, and the pursuer appeared under
nearly the same canvass as the chase.
'Starboard !! shouted Buntline to the
man at the wheel, as he beheld the bows
of his adversary sweep gracefully to
port.
Starboard, sir, answered the quarter
master; and the Rover's broadside was
brought parallel to that of the English
man, while, at the same time, stars and
stripes appeared with a graceful flutter on
her main peak. A volume of smoke and
flame burst from the bulwarks of the
Briton. and his iron crashed fearfully
through the spars and rigging of the
Privateer. Although Captain Buntling's
maneuver prevented his vessel from
being raked by his adversary's fire. it
could not prevent its destruction and to
his sorrow, he beheld his main-top- mast,
with its spars, 60 by the board. A deep
shade settled upon his brow. at this unex-
pected calamity, and the blank of doubt
and uncertainty grew upon his features.
The success of the Englishman's broad
side had completely destroyed his plan of
operation, and he stood upon the quarter
deck of his crippled ship in painful rehec-
ton as to his future course. This sus-
pence was but momentary; thought
dawned upon his mind; and applying his
trumpet to his mouth he gave the order
to the impatient seamen not to fire, but
be ready for making more SAIL
Leave your quarters, men, he said
put your helm up, Bobstay-man the
fore-tack and sheets-lay aloft, topmen,
and clear the wreck. Stir yourselves. nv