rdly hove in sight when Capt. Semmes began
taking in coal, and ordered the yards sent down from aloft, and the
ship put in trim for action. Outside the breakwater, the "Kearsarge"
was doing the same thing. In armament, the two vessels were nearly
equal; the "Alabama" having eight guns to the "Kearsarge's" seven, but
the guns of the latter vessel were heavier and of greater range. In
the matter of speed, the "Kearsarge" had a slight advantage. The great
advantage which the "Kearsarge" had was gained by the forethought of
her commander, who had chains hung down her sides, protecting the
boilers and machinery. Semmes might easily have done the same thing
had the idea occurred to him.

It was on Sunday, June 19, that the "Alabama" started out to the duel
that was to end in her destruction. Though Sunday was Capt. Semmes's
lucky day, his luck this time seemed to have deserted him. The
"Alabama" was accompanied in her outward voyage by a large French
iron-clad frigate. The broad breakwater was black with people waiting
to see the fight. The news had spread as far as Paris, and throngs had
come down by special trains to view the great naval duel. A purple
haze hung over the placid water, through which could be seen the
"Kearsarge," with her colors flying defiantly, steaming slowly ahead,
and ready for the "Alabama" to come up. Small steamers on every side
followed the "Alabama," as near the scene of conflict as they dared.
One English yacht, the "Deerhound," with her owner's family aboard,
hung close to the combatants during the fight. No duel of the age of
chivalry had a more eager throng of spectators.

Now the "Alabama" has passed the three-mile line, and is on the open
sea. The big French iron-clad stops; the pilot-boats, with no liking
for cannon-balls, stop too. The "Deerhound" goes out a mile or so
farther, and the "Alabama" advances alone to meet the antagonist that
is waiting quietly for her coming. The moment of conflict is at hand;
and Capt. Semmes, mustering his men on the deck, addresses them
briefly, and sends them to their quarters; and now, with guns shotted,
and lanyards taut, and ready for the pull, the "Alabama" rushes toward
her enemy. When within a distance of a mile, the first broadside was
let fly, without avail. The "Kearsarge," more cool and prudent, waits
yet awhile; and, when the first shot does go whizzing from her big
Dahlgren guns, it strikes the "Alabama," and makes her quiver all
over. Clearly