ocean.

One United States frigate, and that one a favorite ship in the navy,
was ordered abroad in February, 1781, and on her voyage did some
brave work for her country. This vessel was the "Alliance," once
under the treacherous command of the eccentric Landais, and since his
dismissal commanded by Capt. John Barry, of whose plucky fight in the
"Raleigh" we have already spoken. The "Alliance" sailed from Boston,
carrying an army officer on a mission to France. She made the voyage
without sighting an enemy. Having landed her passenger, she set out
from L'Orient, with the "Lafayette," forty, in company. The two
cruised together for three days, capturing two heavy privateers. They
then parted, and the "Alliance" continued her cruise alone.

On the 28th of May the lookout reported two sail in sight; and soon
the strangers altered their course, and bore down directly upon the
American frigate. It was late in the afternoon, and darkness set in
before the strangers were near enough for their character to be made
out. At dawn all eyes on the "Alliance" scanned the ocean in search of
the two vessels, which were then easily seen to be a sloop-of-war and
a brig. Over each floated the British colors.

A dead calm rested upon the waters. Canvas was spread on all the
ships, but flapped idly against the yards. Not the slightest motion
could be discerned, and none of the ships had steerage-way. The enemy
had evidently determined to fight; for before the sun rose red and
glowing from beneath the horizon, sweeps were seen protruding from the
sides of the two ships, and they gradually began to lessen the
distance between them and the American frigate. Capt. Barry had no
desire to avoid the conflict; though in a calm, the lighter vessels,
being manageable with sweeps, had greatly the advantage of the
"Alliance," which could only lie like a log upon the water. Six hours
of weary work with the sweeps passed before the enemy came near enough
to hail. The usual questions and answers were followed by the roar of
the cannon, and the action began. The prospects for the "Alliance"
were dreary indeed; for the enemy took positions on the quarters of
the helpless ship, and were able to pour in broadsides, while she
could respond only with a few of her aftermost guns. But, though the
case looked hopeless, the Americans fought on, hoping that a wind
might spring up, that would give the good ship "Alliance" at least a
fighting chance.

As Barry st