This laconic epistle did not come directly to Lawrence's hands, as he had then set out on another cruise to the Brazils, with Commodore Bainbridge, in the Constitution. Off the Brazils, they fell in with a British sloop of war called the Bonne Citoyenne, having a large amount of specie on board, which they chased into St. Salvadore. This vessel was larger and of greater force than the Hornet, yet Captain Lawrence had contrived to have information communicated to Captain Green of the Bonne Citoyenne, acquainting him that he wished for an interview, and pledging his honour that neither the Constitution nor any other vessel would interfere, which was supported by a similar one given by Commodore Bainbridge, that he should not interfere; yet Captain Green declined the combat, alleging, that though perfectly satisfied that the event of such a rencontre would be honourable to his-ship, yet he was equally convinced that Commodore Bainbridge could not swerve so much from the paramount duty he owed his country, as to become an inactive spectator, and see a ship belonging to the very squadron under his orders, fall into the hands of the enemy.

It was immediately made known to Green that Commodore Bainbridge left the Hornet for four days, off from the harbour in which the Bonne Citoyenne lay; and at the distance of forty miles. Lawrence afterwards went into the harbour and remained three days, when he might have only have remained twenty-four hours had Captain Green requested it At length the Constitution went off altogether, leaving Lawrence to blockade the Bonne Citoyenne, which he did for nearly a month, Captain Green not judging it proper to risk an encounter. The only excuse that could

have been made for Green is, that he did not think himself fit to depart from the purpose of his voyage, and risk his vessel in a contest for mere individual reputation. The arrival of the British ship Montague, of 74 guns, from Rio Janerio, obliged Captain Lawrence to change his cruising ground, on the twenty-fourth of January. The Montague had been expressly sent for the purpose of relieving the Bonne Citoyenne and a British packet of 12 guns, which also lay at St. Salvadore. During this cruise, Captain Lawrence fell in with the British brig Peacock, Captain Peake, off Demerara, a vessel of about equal force. The combat commenced within half pistol shot, and so tremendous was the fire from the Hornet, that, in fifteen minutes, the Peacock surrendered and made signals of distress, being in a sinking condition. Her main-mast had gone by the board and she was altogether reduced to an absolute wreck, in so great a degree that, notwithstanding every exertion was made to keep her afloat until the prisoners could be removed, she sunk with thirteen of her crew, and three brave American tars, who thus nobly perished in endeavouring to relieve a conquered foe. Among the slain on board the Peacock, was found the body of Captain Peake, who was wounded twice during the action, the last of which proved mortal. His body was wrapped in his flag, as a shroud, and laid in the cabin.

During the battle, the British brig L'Espeigle mounting fifteen thirty-two pound carronades, and two long nines, lay at anchor about six miles in shore. The Hornet accordingly was put immediately in a situation for commencing another action, and in about three hours was in complete repair, but the enemy did not think proper to make any attack.

The conduct of Captain Lawrence towards the prisoners, was truly humane and commendable, and such has been the conduct generally of all the officers of our navy, on similar occasions. The officers of the Peacock, on their arrival at NewYork, said, "they ceased to consider themselves as prisoners;" besides making a public acknowledgment in the Newspapers, to Capt. Lawrence, for his good treatment, &c.

It must also be recorded to the honour of the 'Hornet's crew, that, on observing the Peacock's prisoners had lost all their cloathing by the sinking of their ship, these good fellows made a muster, and from their own wardrobes supplied each prisoner with two shirts and a blue jacket and trowsers.

On returning to this country, Captain Lawrence was received with great distinction and applause, and various public bodies conferred on him peculiar tokens of approbation. While absent, the rank of post-captain had been conferred on him, and shortly after his return, he received a letter from the Secretary of the Navy, offering him the command of the frigate Constitution, provided neither Captains Porter or Evans applied for it, they being older officers. Captain Lawrence respectfully declined this conditional appointment, for satisfactory reasons which he stated to the Secretary. He then received an unconditional appointment to that frigate, and directions to superintend the Navy-yard at New-York in the absence of Captain Ludlow. The next day, to his great surprise and chagrin, he received counter orders, with instructions to take command of the frigate Chesapeake, then lying at Boston, nearly ready for sea. This appointment was particularly dis<agreeable to him. He was prejudiced against

the Chesapeake, both from her being considered the worst ship in our navy, and from having been in a manner disgraced in the affair with the Leopard. This last circumstance had acquired her the character of an unlucky ship the worst of stigmas among sailors, who are devout believers in good and bad luck; and so detrimental was it to this vessel, that it has been difficult to recruit crews for her.

Be

The extreme repugnance that Captain Law, rence felt to this appointment, induced him to write to the Secretary of the Navy, requesting_to be continued in the command of the Hornet. sides, it was his wish to remain some short time in port, and enjoy a little repose in the bosom of his family: particularly as his wife was in that delicate situation, that most calls forth the tenderness and solicitude of an affectionate husband. But though he wrote four letters to the Secretary he never received an answer, and was obliged reluctantly to acquiesce.

While laying in Boston roads, nearly ready for sea, the British frigate Shannon appeared off the harbour, and made signals expressive of a challenge. The brave Lawrence immediately determined on accepting it, though conscious at the time of the great disparity between the two ships. The Shannon was a prime vessel, equipped in an extraordinary manner, for the express purpose of combating advantageously one of our largest frigates. She had an unusually numerous crew of picked me, thoroughly disciplined and well officered. She was commanded by Captain Broke, one of the bravest and ablest officers in the ser vice, who fought merely for reputation.

On the other hand, the Chesapeake was an indifferent ship, with a crew, a great part of whom

were newly recruited, and not brought into a proper discipline. They were stangers to their commander, who had not had time to produce that perfect subordination, yet strong personal attachment, which he had the talent of creating wherever he commanded. His first Lieutenant was sick on shore; the other officers, though meritorious, were young men; two of them mere acting Lieutenants; most of them recently appointed to the ship, and unacquainted with the men.

The most earnest endeavours were used, by Commodore Bainbridge and other gentlemen, to dissuade Captain Lawrence from what was considered a rash and unnecessary exposure. He felt and acknowledged the force of their reasons, but persisted in his determination. He was peculiarly situated: he had formerly challenged the Bonne Citoyenne, and should he decline a similar challenge, it might subject him to sneers and misrepresentations. Among the other unfortunate circumstances that attended this ill-starred battle, was the delay of a written challenge from Captain Broke, which did not arrive until after Captain Lawrence had sailed. It is stated to have been couched in the most frank and courteous language; minutely detailing the force of his ship: and offering, if the Chesapeake should not be completely prepared, to cruise off and on until such time as she made a specified signal of being ready for the conflict. It is to be deeply regretted that Captain Lawrence did not receive this gallant challenge, as it would have given him time to put his ship in proper order, and spared him the necessity of hurrying out in his unprepared condition, to so formal and momentous an encounter.

After getting the ship under way, he called the crew together, and having ordered the white flag