e last, and
that to have continued to make a show of resistance would have
been a wanton sacrifice of the remains of her brave crew. But the
enemy was not able to take possession of her, and circumstances
soon permitted her flag again to be hoisted. At 45 minutes past 2
the signal was made for "close action." The Niagara being very
little injured, I determined to pass through the enemy's line,
bore up and passed ahead of their two ships and a brig, giving a
raking fire to them from the starboard guns, and to a large
schooner and sloop, from the larboard side, at half pistol shot
distance. The smaller vessels at this time having got within
grape and canister distance, under the direction of Captain
Elliot, and keeping up a well directed fire, the two ships, a
brig and a schooner surrendered, a schooner and sloop making a
vain attempt to escape.

Those officers and men who were immediately under my observation,
evinced the greatest gallantry, and I have no doubt that all
others conducted themselves as became American officers and
seamen. Lieutenant Yarnall, first of the Lawrence, although
several times wounded, refused to quit the deck. Midshipman
Forrest (doing duty as lieutenant), and sailing-master Taylor,
were of great assistance to me. I have great pain in stating to
you the death of Lieutenant Brooks, of the marines, and
midshipman Lamb, both of the Lawrence, and midshipman John
Clarke, of the Scorpion; they were valuable and promising
officers. Mr. Hambleton, purser, who volunteered his services on
deck, was severely wounded late in the action. Midshipman Claxton
and Swartout, of the Lawrence, were severely wounded. On board
the Niagara, Lieutenants Smith and Edwards, and midshipman
Webster (doing duty as sailing-master) behaved in a very handsome
manner. Captain Brevoort, of the army, who acted as a volunteer
in the capacity of a marine officer, on board that vessel, is an
excellent and brave officer, and with his musketry did great
execution. Lieutenant Turner, commanding the Caledonia, brought
that vessel into action in the most able manner, and is an
officer that, in all situations, may be relied on. The Ariel,
Lieutenant Parker, and Scorpion, sailing-master Champlin, were
enabled to get early into action, and were of great serv