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212 The National Music of America.
Richard Dacres. Hull beat to quarters and made ready for a fight, but as the morning came on he descried three more war-vessels on the starboard and three more astern, while a seventh soon hove in sight; he had fallen in with Captain Broke's entire squadron.1 Thereupon ensued one of the prettiest chases of naval history, lasting sixty-four hours, displaying the perfection of American seamanship, beginning in a dead calm during which Captain Hull was obliged to pull himself forward by a kedge-anchor,2 gaining somewhat on his pursuers before they discovered the trick. He at last escaped and put into Boston Harbour, determined soon to sally forth and again meet the ship which had given him so much trouble. The opportunity was soon forthcoming. Hull remained awhile in
1 A number of vessels under one commander, but less than ten, is called a " squadron; " more than ten is called a " fleet."
* A small anchor used for warping a vessel along by casting forward and then hauling up to it. |
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