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214 The National Music of America.
On this course Hull was soon rewarded by the sight of a sail, which proved to be the very frigate he was seeking, and she, too, appeared nothing loath for a fight. Hull cleared decks for action, beat to quarters, hoisted the American flag, and at once bore down on the enemy, his intention being to come to close quarters immediately. Dacres hoisted three British flags, one at each masthead. The old song " Halifax Station" runs:
" Then up to each masthead he straight sent a flag, Which shows on the ocean a proud British brag; But Hull, being pleasant, he sent up but one, And told every man to stand true to his gun."
The Guerriere had begun firing almost from the moment that the vessels sighted each other; Hull replied with a few shots only, to try the range, and then gave command to cease firing for the time being. A couple of broadsides from the Englishman, given on two tacks, fell short. Now |
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