ly passing through the rigging of the
"Hornet," the Americans were pouring in well-directed broadsides, that
killed and wounded thirty-eight men, and ended the action in fifteen
minutes. The Americans lost but one man in the fight, though three
more went down in the sinking prize.

Capt. Lawrence now found himself far from home, short of water, and
crowded with prisoners. For a time, he feared that to these evils was
to be added a second action, while his crew was still fatigued with
the labors of the first. During the battle with the "Peacock," a
second British man-of-war brig, the "Espiegle," lay quietly at anchor
only four miles away. Why she had not joined in the strife, has never
been explained. She was clearly visible from the tops of the "Hornet"
throughout the action, and Lawrence expected every moment to see her
bear down to the assistance of her consort. But she made no movement;
and even after the fight ended, and the "Peacock" lay on the bottom of
the ocean, the mysterious stranger awoke not from her lethargy. Not
wishing to engage a second adversary while his ship was crowded with
prisoners, Lawrence immediately left the scene of action, and laid his
course for home. The homeward voyage was rapid and uneventful. No
pains were spared to secure the comfort of the prisoners who crowded
the ship. The British officers were treated with the greatest
consideration; so that, as one said on quitting the ship, they "ceased
to consider themselves as captives." The tars, who were consigned to
the care of the blue-jackets in the forecastle, were met with less
courtesy, but certainly with no less good feeling. They were not
spared an occasional taunt or triumphant joke; but when it was learned
that by the sinking of their ship the Britons had lost all their
"toggery," the "Hornet's" lads turned to, and soon collected clothing
enough to fit out each prisoner with a respectable kit.

It was the middle of March before the long, homeward voyage was
ended, and the anchor was dropped in the snug harbor of Holmes's Hole
in the island of Martha's Vineyard. The usual rejoicings followed the
news of the victory. Lawrence was the hero of the hour; and songs
innumerable appeared in the newspapers, extolling the courage and
devotion of the brave lads of the "Hornet."

Indeed, the arrival of the "Hornet" with her glorious news came at an
opportune moment, to cheer the spirits of the American people. The war
had begun to assume a se