sarily decreased, and the enemy appeared to be gradually
closing with us. I looked out for the Arrow, but could perceive no
signs of her; indeed it was too dark to see farther than half a mile.
Finding that on the point of sailing we were on I had no chance, I
determined to alter my course, and put my schooner right before the wind
so that I might set the square mainsail, which would give time for the
Arrow to arrive; indeed at this time I was in a state of great anxiety.
However, I had made up my mind not to be taken alive, and to sell my
life as dearly as I could.

When the enemy perceived that we had put before the wind, he did the
same, and, as we were about half a mile from each other, we continued to
exchange broadsides as we ran, she gradually nearing us so as to make
her heavy artillery more effective. This portion of the contest
continued for an hour, during which my little schooner had received much
injury, and we were constantly repairing damages. At last, much to my
delight, the day began to dawn, and I then discovered the Arrow about a
mile and a half from us, right astern, under a press of sail.

I pointed her out to my officers and men, who were inspired with fresh
courage at the sight. The enemy also perceived her, and appeared
determined to bring the combat to an issue previous to her coming up,
and I feared that, at all events, I might swing at the yard-arm, let the
issue of the coming combat be what it might. She neared, steering a
course so as to cut me off, and I continued to pour in my broadsides to
cripple her if possible, as she did not now fire, but ran steadily for
me, and my chances were bad.

Anxious that the Arrow should close as soon as possible, I hauled down
my square mainsail, that we might not run from her, and prepared for an
obstinate resistance if boarded. At last the Frenchman was within a
cable's length, and at this critical moment the Arrow was about a mile
to windward. We poured in our last broadside, and hastened to seize our
pikes and cutlasses to repel the boarders, when to my satisfaction I
found that one of our shot had cut his gaff in two. I immediately
rounded to the wind; and as my antagonist was within pistol-shot of me,
with her men all ready for the leap on board, I put my helm down, went
round in stays, and crossed her so near to windward that you might have
thrown a biscuit on board.

This manoeuvre prevented his boarding, and I may say saved my life, for