so that the remaining few on board the privateer, amazed and
astounded, were glad to give up the conflict and get off the
best way they could.

"Soon after this a breeze sprung up, so that they could work
their great guns to some purpose. I never shall forget the
moment when I saw the Star-Spangled Banner blow out and wave
gracefully in the wind, through the smoke. I also at the same
moment saw with pleasure the three gunboats sailing and rowing
away toward the land to make their escape. When the ship drew
near the port, all the boats from the American shipping
voluntarily went to assist in bringing her to anchor. She proved
to be the letter-of-marque ship 'Louisa,' of Philadelphia.

"I went with our captain on board of her, and we there learned
that, with the exception of the captain, not a man had been
killed or wounded. The ship was terribly cut up and crippled in
her sails and rigging--lifts and braces shot away; her stern was
literally riddled like a grater, and both large and small shot,
in great numbers, had entered her hull and were sticking to her
sides. How the officers and crew escaped unhurt is almost
impossible to conceive. The poor captain was immediately taken
on shore, but only survived his wound a few days. He had a
public funeral, and was followed to the grave by all the
Americans in Gibraltar, and very many of the officers of the
garrison and inhabitants of the town.

[Illustration: "INSTANTLY THE GUN WAS RUN OUT AND DISCHARGED"]

"The ship had a rich cargo of coffee, sugar, and India goods on
board, and I believe was bound for Leghorn. The gunboats
belonged to Algeciras and fought under French colors, but were
probably manned by the debased of all nations. I can form no
idea how many were killed or wounded on board the gunboats, but
from the great number of men on board, and from the length of
the action, there must have been great slaughter. Neither can I
say positively how long the engagement lasted; but I should
think at least from three to four hours. To the chief mate too
much credit can not be given for saving the ship after the
captain was shot."

This action occurred in 1800, and the assailants fought under French
colors, though the United States were at peace with France. It was fought
within easy eyesight of Gibraltar, and therefore in Briti