Ellsworth American., 1878-11-14
From the Bath Times
The Enterprise and Boxer.
An Old sailors Recollection. Of the Pa.
mOus seaRighs.
remember the sea-fght far away. .
How IL Numbered DER the tide,

remember the sea-fight far away.
How II Numbered DER the tide,
And the dead captains A. they Law
In their graves overlooking the tranquil bsy,
Where they in battle died.
1t is known to many OF our citizens that
Captain William Barnes, OF Woolwich. now
more than eighty-one years Of age was
one of the crew of the Enterprise during
that memorable engagement, and that
another OF our old citizens, Mr.. Nelson.
who but few years since passed away
was one of the sailors belonging to the
English brig Boxer. Mr.. Nelson was
wounded by having his wrist broken in the
action.
At a recent interview with Capt. Barnes,
whose memory OF that bloody naval en-
counter is still vivid and clear, we have
gathered some fresh circumstances OF the
battle for the benefit ef the Sagadahoc Hi>-
torical Society.
The American brig-of-war Enterprise had
seen service in the wars with France and
Aeiers. She mad been rebuilt in 1911. Her
crew at the time of her fight with the Box
er we're not shipped in Boston, as Mr. Hoar,
OF Massachusetts. has lately affirmed. The
brig, in tact. had not seen Boston or the
Bay State for year or more. They were
gathered up at different times and places,
as is customary with all naval vessels.
Young Barnes. then but Il years OF age,
joined her in May 1913. at Portsmouth. to-
gether with a number of other new men.
From Portsmouth they sailed to Portland,
where more sailors were shipped.
10 times past the Enterprise had been
commanded by such men as Sterrett. HUI,
Decator and Blakelv. Lieutenant William
Burrows. who had been first officer OF
merchant ship and prisoner to the enemy.
,aI L
OF the Enterprise. He was good seaman,
fond OF his profession, aud favorite with
the men he commanded.
The brig sailed from Portland on Satur-
day afternoon, September 4, her cruising
ground being along the coast of Maine,
where a sharp lookout was to be kept for
privateers coming out of the enemy's ports.
The Britt brig Boxer. commanded by
Capt. Samuel Blythe. had been fitted out at
st. John, \. B., with a view of meeting
and fighting the Enterprise. She was
new and strong vessel and every care had
been bestowed upon her equipment She
sailed from st. John but a few DAYS before
her capture, and entering the harbor of
Eastport hauled aback her head sails, op-
ened her portfolios. ran out her guns, aud
lay a minute or two threatening the town
with broadside. After indulging in this
her sails. and again stood out to sea- head
ing westward. After worrying the fishe :
men and keeping the sea-coast villages in
continued alarm during her cruise. she
came to anchor in Johns Bay to the west
ward of Johns Island. near PemaQuid. Sat
urday, September 4th. The inhabitants at
Pemaquid. ie airing AN attack, quickly with
drew into the woods. and at evening heard
the music playing on board the enemy's
cruiser.
Early Sunday morning, the 9Th, the E,-
terprise found herself nearly becalmed of
Pelnaquid Point, and discovered the
strange vessel at anchor in shore The
lookout on the Boxer having also made out
the Enterprise. she Immediately made sail
and stood out Of the bay with light land
breeze. having four colors set and every
rag of canvass spread. Giving a parting
sho over Johns Island to the village of
Pemaquid by way of farewell, and three
guns to the windward OF the Enterprise as
defiance aud challenge, she came defiant
ly on to her doom. Both vessels headed
of the land to more sea-roOm. The Amer
ican changing one Of her forward guns aft,
running It out Of the cabin window to be