en the excitement of victory could raise no
feelings of exultation in his breast. He saw on every side the bodies
of officers with whom, but the night before, he had dined in perfect
health. The decks were red with blood, and from the cock-pit arose
the groans of the wounded.

After the formal surrender, to make which the officers picked their
way over the deck covered with slain to the quarter-deck, the work of
burying the dead of both squadrons was begun. It was about sundown
that the sad ceremonies were held; and, as the deep tones of the
chaplains reading the burial service arose upon the evening air, the
dull, mournful splashing of heavy bodies in the water told that the
last scene in the great victory was drawing to an end.

CHAPTER VIII.

ON THE OCEAN. -- THE "HORNET" SINKS THE "PEACOCK." -- THE
BLOCKADE. -- ADVENTURES OF THE "SALLY." -- HOSTILITIES ON
CHESAPEAKE BAY. -- THE CRUISE OF THE "PRESIDENT."

The year 1813, that brought to American sailors upon the lakes such
well-earned laurels, opened auspiciously for the stars and stripes
upon the ocean. It will be remembered that the "Constitution," while
on the cruise in the South Atlantic that ended with the destruction of
the "Java," had left the "Hornet" off San Salvador, blockading the
British ship "Bonne Citoyenne." For eighteen days the "Hornet"
remained at her post. Her captain continually urged the enemy to come
out and give him battle, but to no avail. The remembrance of his
valuable cargo deterred the Englishman, and he remained snug in his
harbor. Months after, when the occurrence became known in the United
States, an unreasoning outcry was raised against the commander of the
"Bonne Citoyenne" for thus avoiding the conflict; but naval men have
always agreed that his action was wise and commendable.

After eighteen days' service on this blockade, the "Hornet" saw a
British seventy-four bearing down upon her, bent upon releasing the
treasure-ship. Against such odds it would have been folly to contend;
and the Americans, taking advantage of a dark night, slipped away,
and were soon beyond pursuit. The vessel continued her cruise in the
waters south of the equator, meeting with good fortune, and taking
many valuable prizes, from one of which twenty-three thousand dollars
in specie were taken. But her cruise was not destined to proceed
without serious opposition.

On the 24th of February, as the "Hornet" was giving close chase to