New Britain herald., 1918-04-11
CONSTITUTION And
GUERRERO BATTLE
Connecticut Son, Capt. Hull, in
Whose Honor Destroyer Is Named

"Captain Hull finding that his
Friends in Boston are correctly in
iOrmcd of the situation when chased
by the British squadron off New York.
md that they are good enough TO
kgiVe him more credit for having eS-
capped than he ought to claim, takes
this opportunity of requesting them
% transfer their good wishes TO
lieutenant Morris and the other
brave officers and crew under his
command for their very great exer-
tions and prompt attentions to his
orders while the enemy We're in chase.
Captain Hull has great pleasure in
saying that Notwithstanding the
length of the chase, and the officers
and crew being deprived of sleep and
allowed but little refreshment during
he time, not Il murmur was heard to
escape them"
Thus did Captain Isaac Hull mod
estly disclaim personal merit, and
generously give credit to his subor-
Inmates after one of the most exciting
Ind most clever examples of naval
Strategy on record.
Because of this and other deeds of
his naval officer of a century ago, the
government named one of its Destroy
ports that are published from time
TO time of naval engagements of the
World War 1t is probable that the
name Hull again will be emblazoned
In the front page headlines.
The little Destroyer Hull is equip
ped with two 3-inch so calibre rapid
lire guns, six 6-pounder rapid fire
guns and two 1S-inch torpedo tubes.
She carries three officers and seventy
two men, and makes 2S.4 knots. The
man for whom she was named has
left her traditions that throughout
he years maintained the American
navy at the highest standard.
In Fundamentals of Naval Serv-
Ece,' by Commander Yates Sterling,
IL. S. n, the author says:
1.-THE cruise of the American Com
modore Rodgers during the war of
hS12 was far greater in material pro-
Euctiveness than the victory of the
CONSTITUTION over the Guerrero, yet
this latter feat of American naval
arms in creating an immortal tradi-
hon. not only for the navy but the
country, far outclassed in Importance
naval exploits up to that time"
Born in This State in 1875.
Isaac Hull was born in Connecticut
bn 1775, the son of an officer of the
Revolutionary army who died aboard
British prison ship. Hull went to
sea as a cabin boy when IA years old
and at nineteen commanded a ship.
In March, 1898 he entered the navy
las q lieutenant, and first came into
prominence when, in command of the
Sally, he sailed into the harbor of
Porte Platte, Hayti, in broad daylight,
captured the fort, spiked the guns,
a 6n1 IN ink with
French letter of marque.
II 1904 he served as master on
he Argus and in the expedition to
rripolI under Commodore Preble dis
guished himself at the StOrming of
HTripoli and the reduction of Deccan.
Two years later he was commissioned
captain, and in 1911 went to COM
hnand of the Constitution. After
Voyage abroad the Constitution re-
kurned to the United States, on the
return trip understanding a fleet of
british ships he feared could cause
him trouble.
On July 5, 1912, Captain Hull, in
command of the Constitution, was
ordered from Annapolis to New York.
On the way he encountered a for
aidable English squadron consisting
of four frigates, line of-battle ship,
h brig and q schooner command of
commodore Broke. In a dead calm
the squadron gave chase. The only
kvay Roadway could be made was by
towing, and the enemy attached all
their boats to two of the frigates and
succeeded in gaining enough on the
Constitution to bring their bow guns
Ito bear upon her.
The chase continued in this way
for two days, the frigates firing with
her stern chasers. The third day q
hight breeze enabled the Constitution
Ito escape.
About a month later, tired of wait
ing for orders, Captain Hull set sail
from Boston and on August 10Th fell
in with the British Frigate Guerrero,
40 guns, Captain Dacres.
The Guerrero fired her starboard
broadside at long range and i'm
mediately wore around and let go
bier port broadside. Captain Hull
used only bow guns as he could
bring them to bear, his plan being
to wait until quite close before be.
|einning serious action. For almost !
an hour this kind of engagement was
continued the Constitution avoiding
la raking fire.
Finally Hull set his light sails and |
4headed straight for the enemy and |
met her on the windward side. AS the |
Constitution drew slowly ahead she |
ppened with her forward guns. 1t |
was hard work to restrain the re- |
mainder of the gun crews, for all |
were anxious for the fray Finally |
the order came and the guns rOared. !
IN ten minutes the Guerriere's mir |
zenmast went by the board. Next |
went the mainmast Before half |
hour had passed the splendid British |