A Short History of the American Navy (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1907 Excerpt: ...were very brave in battle, and very cruel in victory. They feared not for themselves; but in the hearts of the bravest and most careless there lurked a dull terror of what that day might bring upon those they loved.'r Off the point of Cumberland head lay a Yankee cutter, well manned, and with its bow pointed toward the Yankee flagship--a lookout waiting for the enemy. And as eight o'clock drew nigh, the people on the hills saw its seamen bend to their oars and drive it with signals flying into the bay. The enemy were coming. The long roll of the drums called to quarters on the anchored squadron, and then the white new sails of the British frigate appeared over the lower parts of Cumberland head. Below the point the enemy came to the wind, and then, after a time spent in examining the American line, they stood in on the starboard tack--the British were able to choose whether or not they would close in on the Americans, and they chose to fight at as long range as possible, considering the depth of water, because of the number of long guns they carried. The little sloop Chubb led the line, followed by the brig Linnet. The frigate Confiance was next while the sloop Finch and the flock of gunboats came last. As the enemy advanced, Macdonough, "who feared his foes not at all, and his God a great deal," knelt for a moment with his officers on the quarter-deck. Thereafter the men of the American squadron awaited in perfect silence while the enemy came on cheering in anticipation of victory, until a chance shot from the British brig Linnet came on board the Saratoga. A sailor on this ship "had obtained by hook or by crook" a fighting cock of great repute in Plattsburg, and this shot knocked to pieces the coop in which the bird was confined. But, ...