ded a careful statement of the strength of the
"Shannon," that Lawrence might understand that the ships were fairly
matched.

But before this challenge reached Boston, Lawrence had set out to seek
the enemy. He had seen the "Shannon" lying off the entrance to the
port; and, finding out that she was alone, he knew that her presence
was in itself a challenge that he could not honorably ignore. Nor did
he desire to avoid the battle thus offered. He had confidence in his
crew, his frigate, and himself, and looked for nothing but victory. To
the Secretary of the Navy, he wrote, "An English frigate is now in
sight from my deck. I have sent a pilot-boat out to reconnoitre; and,
should she be alone, I am in hopes to give a good account of her
before night. My crew appear to be in fine spirits, and I hope will do
their duty."

In truth, however, the condition of this same crew was such that the
captain would have been justified in refusing the challenge. An
unusual number of foreign sailors were enrolled, among whom was a
Portuguese, who, in the ensuing battle, did incalculable injury to the
cause of the "Chesapeake." The crew had never drilled together; many
of the sailors came on board only a few hours before the ship sailed
out to battle. All the old sailors were sullen over the delay in the
payment of the prize-money of their last cruise. Lawrence attempted to
allay their discontent by giving them checks for the prize-money; but
the sense of injury still lingered in the minds of the men, and they
were ill-fitted to do battle for the honor of the flag. Added to this
evil was the fact that the first and second lieutenants and two acting
lieutenants were away on sick-leave, and the ship was thus left short
of officers on the eve of battle.

Regardless of the disadvantages under which he labored, Lawrence
weighed anchor on the 1st of June, and started down the harbor. As he
approached the ocean, Lawrence mustered his crew aft, and eloquently
urged them to fight bravely, and do their duty to the country, which
had entered upon this war in defence of seamen and their rights. Three
ensigns were run up; and at the fore was unfurled a broad white flag,
bearing the motto, "FREE TRADE AND SAILORS' RIGHTS." When Lawrence
closed his speech, and pointed out the flag floating at the fore, the
men cheered and went forward, leaving the captain convinced that he
could depend upon their loyalty.

The morning was bright and cool, with a fr