The Cadiz Democratic sentinel. [volume] (Cadiz, Ohio) 1854-1864, 1859-07-13


to your quarters" t-r I'D g
True, it was the Argentine. The British
general had pressed it to transport troops to
New Orleans, and this accounts for Parker be-
ing here, while Cockburn was on the coast OF
Georgia and the Carolinas. Having landed the
troops he was again sailing to join his old com
mander. The British had no further need OF
him, expecting to march past New Orleans and
all through the country. lie knew the sloop
while the Vixen recoiled at the shock Then
in turn the roar Of the Argentine's batteries
rose on the sulphurous air, and the rafting
grape and whizzing round shot dealt destruc-
ton upon the little sloop. Boom,-boom-
burst forth from the cannon's iron throats, and
then the tumbling beams. the splintered sides,
the shouts and curses Of the combatants ming
led with the shrieks and walls Of the dying
made the scene terrific. . e., ..
britannia rules the wave," the royal min
ions cry.
"Free trade and sailors rights, " Columbia S
sons reply.
| Ave, "Free trade and sailors rights, yelled
the tars Of America and with renewed vigor
they piled their guns. Stripped to the waist
their faces and breasts begrimed and backened
with powder and fire, looking like so many
dark spirits sent abroad upon the water to chas-
tise the "Mistress of the seas" they rained the
reeking shot like hail upon the enemy. Ted
dy was in his glory, as captain of the "long
Tom,' he loved to watch its terrible execution
"Troth now, an I'll be afther batin the divils
formass," then STOPPING, glancing along its
blackened length moment, he applied the
the report, and the shot scudding across the
water, struck true to its aim,-the towering
mast tottered moment and went by the boafd.
'Hurrah hurrah," shouted the crew, TRY again,
my boy" And again the ponderous gun, now
very hot was charged. Teddy standing behind
applied the match. A terrific explosion follow.
ed-tearing away the bulwarks around it, kill
ing and wounding great many who were near;
Teddy himself was severely injured, and was
thrown across the deck, where he laid during
the remainder of the action.
A great part of the crew, and many of the
Vixen's guns were now disabled, and her situa-
ton was very critical indeed, yet no one thought
Of striking the flag. And to add to her peril
man rushed up to the Captain
1.-TWO feet water in the hold!"
"My God" gasped George, but nervng him
self, shouted Through the trumpet. 'Lay her
by the board" ~
Putting up the helm, the tottered sails were
swelled, by slight breath of wind which rose
for moment and they soon drifted along side
their foe. They too, had suffered immensely
their rigging was all cut to pieces, the foremost
gone, many oftheir guns dismounted and use
less, and the decks slippery with the blood of
the slain. The Vixen's graphing irons were
quickly thrown aboard the Argentine.
'Boarder away" shouted Manton. a
"Repel boarders" returned the Engshman,
and his bulwarks were lined with men, The
Americans paused moment. "Follow me,
then" said George, leaping into the hammock
netting, and jumping upon the deck followed by
his men. At this moment a hand grenade
thrown by some one fell into the hold igniting
a quanti.yo OF loose powder lying around, which
exploded tearing up part Of the deck and sett-
ing the rest on fire. This accident disheartened
the British and threw them into con fusion; the
American followed up their advantage and
drova thorn itb tha;r boc ~,
quarter deck, following them, most desperate
hand 70 hand encounter ensued George, like
an enraged tiger, loosing all regard for his safe
to, rushed in the midst of them upon Parker,
and then the metallic clasp of the steel rang out.
Both were good swordsmen; but Parker was the
heavier and the most powerful man, and George
not yet having altogether recovered from his i'll
ness was failing fast. His foot slipping in
pool OF blood, and at the same moment receiv-
ing a random pistol shot in his left arm, he
staggered back; that threw him in Parkers pow
er who poised his hated steel to the Captains |
unprotected breast; but as the word was about
to do its bidding;young Hardin rushed between
them, and the blade was sheathed in his own
heart. Falling upon the deck with-"the debt is
concealed, THE death damp.thckened oer his I
brow and he expired. "And you too shall be /
avenged" muttered George, and Parker receiv- |
ed his death blow, and breathed his soul out
upon the deck. n ssr s.h 1
This could not last long; the crew Of the Ar
gentine finding their leader gone, and the
flames spreading rapidly, threw down their
arms and cried for quarter, Then the crimson |
carnage ceased and friend and foe labored 10 |
extinguished the flames; after which the p-is-
oners were secured, the flag of England hauled |
down, and the American 'grid iron" hosted in I
its shead. Glorious, beautiful banner, represen
tative of the land whose emblem it is which
floats in every sea, is respected in every cline,
loved by Americans all over the world ever, |
ever, s# .aa a"
"Forever float that standard sheet"
proud flag of my country All gallantly streaming
In the breeze of the battle when glory appears,
The stern scarlet blaze of its hurricane beaming,
While mercy hangs round with her olive and tears,
But the Vixen was all rddled with shot, and
IS fast filing with water, and soon must go
loYn. Her graphing irons were thrown off,
md the Argentine moved away to escape the
vortex. Soon after, the noble little sloop ca
reened over q moment then heavy lunge, and
she sank down forever from the almost sorrow
ul gaze of her commander and crew.
Then the last sad duty was performed to
hose who fell amid the battles din. Their on