His first exploit was the escape of the Constitution from a
British squadron, which is justly regarded as one of the most remarkable
recorded in naval history. The account of it contained in the official
letter of Captain Hull has all the interest of a romance. It is as
follows:
"SIR:--In pursuance of your orders of the 3d instant, I left
Annapolis on the 5th instant, and the capes on the 12th, of which I
advised you by the pilot who brought the ship to sea.
For several days after we got out, the wind was light and ahead,
which, with a strong southerly current, prevented our making much
way to the northward. On the 17th, at two P.M., being in twenty-two
fathoms water off Egg Harbor, four sail of ships were discovered
from the masthead, to the northward and in shore of us, apparently
ships of war. The wind being very light all sail was made in chase
of them, to ascertain whether they were the enemy's ships, or our
squadron having got out of New York, waiting the arrival of the
Constitution, the latter of which I had reason to believe was the
case.
Pages:
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171