Ellsworth American., 1878-11-14
ready for an attack in the rear.

ready lor an attack IN the rear.
II was nearly calm until about noon
when a light breeze gave the vessels more
headway, and by three o'clock they had
gained sufficient offing and stripped to
fighting canvas. They had shortened their
distance. running along nearly abreast,
until they had approached within pistol
shot oil each other. At twenty minutes
past three the Boxer fired gun and gave
loud cheer, which was Immediately an
swered by the Enterprise firing a musket
and giving three hearty cheers In response.
While the Americans were cheering, the
English poured in their first broadside
which the Enterprise quickly returned, and
the desperate battle now begun in earnest,
the belching cannon pouring out destruc-
tion and death amidst the defiant cheers
which rose at times from the valiant crews
above the roar of battle
The Boxer. after having her main top
mast shot away. made two attempts to
board the Enterprise, both OF which the
American skillfully eluded. At the first at
tempt the Boxers flying jib came in over
the stern OF the Enterprise. the vessels lust
grazing past without being able 10 grapple
The American with all the spars intact was
enabled to play back and forth In front of
the Boxer with deadly effect Both COM
manders were shot early In the engage
ment; the crew of the Boxer stationed for
ward, finding i too hot for them, aband-
oned their guns and rushed aft, Cant
Blythe swore that the forward guns should
be served. rallied the retreatiny division.
and led them forward to the abandoned
guns. Here, as he was met by a perfect
torrent of iron balls, he exclaimed. Great
God. what shots - and was instantly struck
by an eighteen pound ball which nearly
cut him In twain, Killing him instantly.
Very nearly at the same time, on board
the Enterprise, the commander finding that
the crew OF one of his carrouades was sadly
reduced in numbers and unable to manage
the piece, stepped up and seized hold Of
the gun 10 help elevate il, and was mortAlly
wounded, musket ball striking him in the
groin and glanciug upward into the body.
Tie refused 10 be carried below but Law
down on deck. leaning against shot rack,
ana continued t. encourage hi. men 10 the
action, which lasted ferty-hye minutes
The Enterprise had but one killed and thir-
teen wounded. The gallant Burrows lived
until twelve O'Clock the next day. Mid
>hipmnu Walters ard one other man died
In Portland of their wounds
The number Killed on board the Boxer
we're never asceTtained as they were thrown
overheard as iast a they fell there were
fourteen wounded. She went into action
with her colors nailed to the mast, use
less and foolish brayado that doubtless
caused the loss OF many lives. Her ensign
Is among the trophies OF the Naval Acadr-
my at Annapolis, while the tattered folds
Of the Enterprise are arrayed with those OF
the BOnhomme Richard at Fort McIIenry
when the first Lieutenant of the Boxer.
- a hoard 70 a fiva 81.
Capt. Blythe. Lieut. Burrows laid his hand
upon i and said, keep it, sir, you are
richly worthy OF IT,"
The armaments and crews of the two
brigs were about equal. the vessels were in
fact as equally matched a. could well be-
and were both fought with desperation
This was the first success that had glad
deued the American navy since the loss OF
the Chesapeake. II revived the confidence
which that disaster had shaken.
TIN, battle was Witnessed from the is
lands Of Monhegan and Seguin, aud by
hundreds Of people on the main land Al
ter the lirst discharge the two vessels were
cnyeloped in cloud of smoke which en-
tircly hid them from the view of the spec
tator~ on shore. Young Barnes was sta
toned al one OF the after guns, No. 5, with
but one gun between him and his com
mandrr.
The two vessels were taken into Port
land on the 7ih. where the bodies OF both
Burrows and Blythe were brought on.
shore, draped with the flags each had so
Eravely defended. The same honors were
paid the remains of each and they were in
TERED side By side ia the cemetary at Port
land. Blythe had been one OF poor Law
rence's pall-bearers.
Captain Barnes, from whom most Of this
account has been gathered, is now more
than cighty-one years OF age and quite in
hrm lie was born in Berwick. York
Maine, Feb. 10. 1877. and has fol
lowed the sea almost continually in differ
ent capacities for forty-seye years. His
last voyage was as master OF the ship Wa
bash of Bath, when she was lost 10 1860
He had commanded different vessels since
1923 He Is a staunch Democrat of the old
school, mas been member of our Legisla.
ture. and held offices of trust and honor In
the place OF his residence. He married
Miss Sarah Farnham OF Woolwich in June.
ls1j. aud was fortunate in his union with
one who was a devoted and loving wife an
active participant in all the amenities and
charities of a social, religious and domcs ic
life She lied in 1857. They had ten chill
dren. three OF whom are still living. The
late Capt. William Henry Barnes, dis
llngui>hed ship-master of Bath, was one OF
his sons.