e ship's ordnance so that it may be correctly fired in a
horizontal direction is justly deemed a most important operation, as
upon it depends, in a great measure, the true aim and destructive
effect of the shot; this was attended to by Capt. Broke in person. By
drafts from other ships, and the usual means to which a British
man-of-war is obliged to resort, the 'Shannon' got together a crew;
and in the course of a year or two, by the paternal care and excellent
regulations of Capt. Broke, the ship's company became as pleasant to
command as it was dangerous to meet." Moreover, the historian goes on
to relate that the ship's guns were carefully sighted, and her
ammunition frequently overhauled. Often a cask would be thrown
overboard, and a gun's crew suddenly called to sink it as it bobbed
about on the waves astern. Practice with the great guns was of daily
occurrence. "Every day for about an hour and a half in the forenoon,
when not prevented by chase or the state of the weather, the men were
exercised at training the guns; and for the same time in the
afternoon in the use of the broad-sword, musket, pike, etc. Twice a
week the crew fired at targets, both with great guns and musketry; and
Capt. Broke, as an additional stimulus beyond the emulation excited,
gave a pound of tobacco to every man that put a shot through the
bull's-eye."

Such was the vessel that in June appeared alone off the entrance to
Boston Harbor, and by her actions seemed to challenge the "Chesapeake"
to give her battle. Indeed, Broke's wish to test the strength of the
two vessels was so great, that he sent in, by the hands of an American
prisoner, a written challenge, the terms and spirit of which showed
the writer to be a courageous and chivalric officer and gentleman. "As
the 'Chesapeake' now appears ready for sea," he wrote, "I request you
will do me the honor to meet the 'Shannon' with her, ship to ship, to
try the fortunes of our respective flags. To an officer of your
character, it requires some apology for proceeding to further
particulars. Be assured, sir, it is not from any doubt I can entertain
of your wishing to close with my proposal, but merely to provide an
answer to any objection which might be made, and very reasonably, upon
the chance of our receiving any unfair support." Capt. Broke then
proceeds to assure Lawrence that the other British ships in the
neighborhood would be sent away before the day of combat. To the
challenge was appen