tion now became truly alarming-the wreck of the masts beating against the ship's bottom-very few of the guns secured-some loose, going from side to side-The ship rolling gangways under, lying in the trough of the sea; which at times was making free passage over her, and seven feet water in the hold. The crew were nearly worn out, and quite disheartened, but by the exertions of a few of our crew, who were left on board to take care of the sick, the wreck of the masts was with great difficulty cleared away. The ship then lay much easier, and by fresh exertions at the pumps, we had the joy to find we gained on the leak, and by night had the pleasure of finding the pumps to suck. Notwithstanding it continued to blow excessive hard, we began to have confidence that she would weather the gale. Our poor wounded men suffered very much; some, from the nature of their wounds, were not able to lay in their hammocks, and were tossed from side to side with the violent rolling of the ship, which hastened the death of several. The gale moderating next day, they commenced getting up jury masts, and in ten days arrived at Bermuda, where we found the Pomone and Endymion; the latter had lost all her masts and bowsprit, had hove all her upper deck guns overboard in the gale, and was very near foundering."

Commodore Decatur arrived at New-London in fourteen days from Bermuda, on the twentysecond day of February, in the Narcissus frigate, Captain Gordon. On his landing, the populace placed him in a carriage, and drew him through the principal streets of New-London, amidst the shouts of thousands of the citizens of that town and the vicinity. On setting him down at Brown's Hotel, the Commodore attempted to address the

multitude, but the acclamations were so loud and incessant, that he could not be heard. In the evening, Commodore Decatur, Commodore Shaw, and other officers of the United States' navy, and of the army; together with Captain Garland of the Superb, Captain Gordon of the Narcissus, and upwards of forty other officers of the British squadron off New-London, attended an elegant ball, which was given in celebration of peace and the birth day of Washington.

The affairs of the United States with Algiers, assuming a hostile appearance, the Commodore was despatched in the summer of 1815, with a squadron, to the Mediterranean, to reduce that regency to a more pacific disposition. He was to be succeeded by another squadron under Commodore Bainbridge. Panting for glory, Decatur hoisted his flag on board the United States' frigate Guerriere, and sailed with his squadron from NewYork on the 18th of May, for his destination, with all possible despatch; in order to settle affairs with the Algerines before the arrival of the second squadron, and thus secure to himself the honours which would otherwise entwine another's brow. On his passage thither, he had the good fortune to fall in with the Algerine Admiral Rais Hammida, who was cruising against the Americans. Finding it impossible to escape, the Turk determined to defend his ship to the last, nor was the crescent lowered, until her gallant commander was no more. This ship was called the Mirboha, of 46 guns, and between four and five hundred men, and struck in twenty-five minutes after the action begun. The number of prisoners were four hundred and six, and upwards of thirty killed. The action was fought off Cape de Gatt, on the 17th of June, 1815. On the 19th of the same

month, off Cape Palos, after a chase of three hours, he captured an Algerine brig of twentytwo guns, and one hundred and eighty men; one hundred of whom escaped in their boats prior to the capture of the brig.

Commodore Decatur arrived before Algiers, on the 29th June, and hoisted a flag of truce on board the Guerriere, with the Swedish flag at the main. A boat came off with Mr. Norderling, Consul of Sweden, and the Captain of the port, to whom the capture of the frigate and brig was communicated, and to whom Commodore Decatur and William Thaler, Esq. acting as commissioners to negociate a peace, delivered a letter for the Dey, from the President of the United States; and also a note from themselves, of which the following is a copy:

"The American Commissioners to the day of Algiers

"The undersigned have the honour to inform his Highness the Dey of Algiers, that they have been appointed by the President of the United States of America, Commissioners Plenipotentiary to treat of peace with his Highness, and, that pursuant to their instructions, they are ready to open a negotiation for the restoration of peace and harmony between the two countries, on terms just and honourable to both parties; and they feel it incumbent on them to state explicitly to his Highness, that they are instructed to treat upon no other principle, than that of perfect equality, and on the terms of the most favoured nations: no stipulation for paying any tribute to Algiers, under any form whatever, will be agreed to.

"The undersigned have the honour to transmit herewith, a letter from the President of the United States, and they avail themselves of this occasion

to assure his Highness of their high consideration and profound respect."

The Captain of the port then requested that hostilities should cease preceding the negotiation, and that persons might be sent ashore to treat. Both propositions were rejected, the American Commissioners declaring that the negotiations must be carried on, on board the fleet, and that hostilities as repected vessels, should not cease. On the following day, the Swedish Consul and the Captain of the port came on board with full powers to negotiate. The American Commissioners produced the model of a treaty which they declared would not be departed from in substance. Every attempt on the part of Algiers, to obtain a modification of it proved fruitless, even the restoration of the captured vessels was positively refused. Upon consideration, however, the American Commissioners resolved to restore the captured vessels as a favour, and not as matter of treaty, giving the Algerine to understand, that even this would depend on the signing of the treaty as presented. The Algerine Captain then produced a truce, to deliberate on the proposed terms; the reply was "not a minute; if your squadron appears in sight before the treaty is actually signed by the Dey, and the prisoners sent off, ours would capture them!" It was finally agreed that hostilities should cease when the Algerine boat should be perceived coming off with a white flag hoisted, the Swedish Consul pledging his word of honour not to hoist it unless the treaty was signed, and the prisoners in the boat. The Swedish Consul and Algerine Captain returned on shore, and although the distance was full five miles, they came back within three hours with the treaty signed, and having with

them the prisoners who were to be released from: captivity by the terms of the treaty.

Commodore Decatur despatched the United States' brig Epervier, Lieutenant Shubrick, with the pleasing information to the American Government. This vessel was lost and supposed to have foundered at sea, with the prisoners on board, as nothing was ever heard of her since.

After having visited the other Barbary ports of Tunis and Tripoli, Commodore Decatur landed at Missena eight Neapolitan captives, whose release he obtained in his negotiations with the Dey of Algiers. This fact was communicated to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the King of the Two Sicilies, at Naples, on the 8th of September, 1815, and he received a flattering and friendly answer. Decatur returned to the United States in November of the same year.

CAPTAIN

CHARLES MORRIS

Was born in the month of October, 1784, at Woodstock, in the state of Connecticut. His predilection for the navy, was early and strong. At the age of about fifteen, he was appointed midshipman, and sailed from Portsmouth in the ship Congress, under the command of Captain Sever; when that ship, and the Essex, under the command of Captain Preble, were ordered on cruise in the Indian seas. During her voyage towards her destination, the Congress was dismasted, and was obliged to put back for repairs. In this disaster, Mr. Morris had his shoulder dis