rmer approached, to gain a
first advantage by firing at long range. But as the _Java_ was fast
gaining upon her, the _Constitution_ made a virtue of necessity, and
shortened sail, placing herself under the lee bow of the _Java_, so
that in close action, the crew of the _Constitution_ might fight like
men behind a rampart, while the crew of the _Java_ stood at their guns
_en barbette_. The action immediately commenced, and the effect of the
_Java's_ first broadside, on the enemy's hull, was such that the
American wore to get away. Captain Lambert also wore his ship, and a
running fight was kept up with great spirit for forty minutes. The
_Java_ had, as yet, suffered little, but the vessels coming within
pistol shot, a determined action ensued. Captain Lambert had resolved
upon boarding his enemy, if it were possible in any measure to effect
it. With that view he was closing upon his antagonist, when the
foremast of the _Java_ fell suddenly and with a crash so tremendous as
to break in the forecastle and cover the deck with the wreck. Only a
moment later and the main topmast also fell upon the deck, while
Captain Lambert lay weltering in his blood, mortally wounded.
Lieutenant Chads, on whom the command now devolved, found the _Java_
perfectly unmanageable. The wreck of the masts hung over the side, next
to the enemy, and every discharge of the _Java's_ own guns set her on
fire. Yet, Lieutenant Chads continued the action for three hours and a
half, until the _Java_ was felt to be going down. It was then that the
_Constitution_ assumed a raking position, and it was then only that
Lieutenant Chads struck. The _Java_ was no prize to the victors of
great value, for her crew were no sooner taken out than the American
commander blew her up. In this desperate engagement the _Java_ had
twenty-two killed and one hundred and two wounded; the _Constitution_
had ten killed and forty wounded. Captain Lambert's worst fears had
been realised, and the death of that gallant and skilful sailor aroused
a tongue which, in Great Britain, has a potency and influence, such as
official insolence cannot withstand, nor official incapacity escape
from. The spirit of the "Times" was up. The voice of the many loudly
condemned the incompetency of the few. The conduct of the war had now
become a matter of moment, and reforms, in the marine department at
least, were imperative.

[19] Captain Carden's despatch to Mr. Croker.

By the fall of Gen'l