ours, where every individual
enjoys the right of directly petitioning Congress, yet, viewing
this case as one of very peculiar character, I deem it my duty to
recommend it to your favorable consideration. Besides the justice
of this claim, as corresponding to those which have been since
recognized and satisfied, it is the fruit of a deed of patriotic
and chivalrous daring which infused life and confidence into our
infant navy and contributed as much as any exploit in its history
to elevate our national character. Public gratitude, therefore,
stamps her seal upon it, and the meed should not be withheld which
may hereafter operate as a stimulus to our gallant tars."

The burning of the "Philadelphia" is one of the most striking pictures
in the series. The effect of the mounting flames against the moonless
and midnight sky is impressive and spectacular, and their lurid
reflection in the water, with a glimpse of the Algerian fort and
batteries in the background to the right, and the little vessel of
Decatur, fittingly named the "Intrepid," skimming along the water away
from the burning ship, with swelling sail and powerful stroke of oar,
with the dense masses of smoke rising to the extreme height of the
painting and a shower of burning embers descending into the
water--produce an effect, so vivid and realistic, of a great
conflagration, that the eye is riveted to the scene with never-failing
interest.

THE BRIG ARMSTRONG ENGAGING THE BRITISH FLEET

(_In the Harbor of Fayal, September 26, 1814_)

[Illustration: Copyright, 1898, by Edward Moran.]

X.

THE BRIG ARMSTRONG ENGAGING THE BRITISH FLEET.

_In the Harbor of Fayal, September 26, 1814._[M]

It is difficult to discriminate, in awarding the meed of praise for
bravery, amid the many heroic deeds of the American navy. For fighting
qualities and success in repulsing overwhelming numbers the exploit of
Captain Samuel Chester Reid, in his battle with the British seamen which
this picture illustrates, has never been surpassed. It was on the 26th
of September, 1814, that the privateer, the brig "Armstrong," which had
been fitted out in New York, cast anchor in the harbor of Fayal, one of
the Azores, belonging to the neutral government of Portugal. About the
same time three British ships, the "Plantagenet," the "Carnation" and
the "Rota," under the command of Commodore Lloyd, appeared in the same
har