Every few minutes he forgot his dignity and shouted to fishermen, lightermen and crafts of all kinds:
"Get out your flags, England has been beaten."
It was surprising how soon the ships in the harbor were decked with bunting.
Every flag was flying, and all sorts of things pressed into service.
One man tore up his red shirt to make a pennon; women gave up red and blue shawls; children contributed clothing; anything of bright color was utilized, and the scene was almost instantly transformed from the somberness of everyday life to the brilliancy of festival attire.
A great flotilla of gayly decorated boats went out to meet and surround the Constitution.
The flags of surrounding vessels were dipped in salutation as the war-scarred veteran ship made her way to the wharf.
The Boston Artillery Company, that organization whose deeds will never be forgotten, assembled on the dock and fired a national salute.
As the guns of the Constitution responded, Captain Hull remarked that he fired them with more pleasure than when another vessel was the target.
The people needed cheering, for all the news had been of disaster.