The Florida agriculturist., 1889-04-10

Cn0 6ynQlCaC0 20 the DOMINION OF CdnaQa
and the British government. But one
good reason for this was tho fact that it
was very difficult now to find upon the
Atlantic ocean vessel sailing under the
American flag. AS far as possible these
had taken refuge in their own ports or in
those of neutral countries.
At the mouth of Delaware bay, behind
the great Breakwater, was now collected
q number of coastwise sailing vessels and
steamers of various classes and sizes; and
for the protection Of these maritime
refugees two vessels of the United States
navy were stationed at this point. These
were the Lenox and Stockbridge, two of
the finest cruisers in the service, and
commanded by two of the most restless
and bravest officers of the American
navy.
The appearance early on summer
morning of large British cruiser off
the mouth of the harbor filled those two
commanders with uncomfortable bellig-
erency. That in time of war vessel Of
the enemy should be allowed, undis-
turbed, to sail up and down before an
American harbor, while an American
vessel filled with brave American sailors
lay inside like cowed dog, was a
thought which goaded the soul of each
of these commanders. There was GER
tain rivalry between the two ships, and
considering the insult offered by the
Haunting red cross in the ofing, and the
humiliating restrictions imposed by the
naval department, each commander
thought only of his own ship. and not
at all of the other.
1t was almost at the same time that
the commanders of the two ships sepa-
rately came to the conclusion that the
proper way to protect the fleet behind
the breakwater was for his vessel to
boldly steam out to sea and attack the
British cruiser. If this vessel carried
long range gun. what was to hinder her
from suddenly running in closer and
sending few shells into the smidst of
the defenseless merchantmen? In fact,
to go out and fight her was the only way
to protect the lives and property in the
harbor.
It was true that one of those beastly
repellers was sneaking about off the
cape, accompanied, probably, by an
under water tongs boat. But as neither
of these had done anything or seemed
likely to do anything, the British cruiser
should be attacked without loss of time.
When the commander of the Lenox
came to this decision, his ship was well
abreast of Cape Henlopen, and he there
fore proceeded directly out to sea. There
was little fear in his mind that the
English cruiser, which was now bearing
to the southeast, might sail off and get
away from him. The Stockbridge was
detained by the arrival of dispatch
boat from the shore with message from
the naval department. But as this mes
sage related only to the measurements of
certain deck gun, her commander in
tended as soon as an answer could be
sent off, to sail out and give battle to the
British vessel. -
Every soul on board the Lenox was
now filled with fiery ardor. The ship
was already in good fighting trim, but
every possible preparation was made for
contest which should show their coun-
try and the world what American sailors
were made of.
The Lenox had not proceeded more
than a mile out to sea when she per-
ceived Repeller No. 6 coming toward her
from seaward, and in direction which
indicated that it intended to run across
her course The IAnOx. however. went