of "Old Ironsides."

While we have been following thus Stewart and his gallant frigate in
their final cruise, some smaller vessels were doing good work for the
credit of the American flag. It will be remembered, that, when the
"President" left New York Bay on her short and disastrous cruise of
January, 1815, she left behind her, at anchor, the "Peacock," the
"Hornet," and the "Tom Bowline." These vessels, knowing nothing of the
fate of their former consort, awaited only the coming of a gale
sufficient to drive away the blockading squadron. On the 22d of
January it came up to blow; and the three craft, under storm canvas,
scudded over the bar, and made for the rendezvous at Tristan d'Acunha.
On the way thither they separated, the "Hornet" cruising alone. On the
23d she sighted a strange sail on the horizon, and, clapping on all
sail, bore down upon her. At the same time the stranger sighted the
"Hornet," and made for her, evidently with hostile intent. The two
vessels approached each other until within musket-shot, when the
stranger hoisted English colors, and fired a gun. Capt. Biddle of the
American ship was ready for the fray, and opened fire with a
broadside. The response of the enemy was vigorous and effective. For
fifteen minutes the firing was constant; but the enemy, seeing that
the Americans were getting the better of the fight, then strove to
close and board. This Biddle determined to avoid, but called up the
boarders to beat back the enemy, should they succeed in closing. "At
the instant," he writes, in his official report, "every officer and
man repaired to the quarter-deck, when the two vessels were coming in
contact, and eagerly pressed me to permit them to board the enemy; but
this I would not permit, as it was evident, from the commencement of
the action, that our fire was greatly superior, both in quickness and
effect. The enemy's bowsprit came between our main and mizzen rigging,
on our starboard side, affording him an opportunity to board us, if
such was his design; but no attempt was made. There was a considerable
swell on; and, as the sea lifted us ahead, the enemy's bowsprit
carried away our mizzen-shrouds, stern davits, and spanker-boom, and
he hung upon our larboard quarter. At this moment an officer called
out that they had surrendered. I directed the marines and musketry men
to cease firing; and while on the taffrail, asking if they had
surrendered, I received a wound in the neck."

This wound