"The ships met and lay yardarm to yardarm.
"The men could not see each other, for a dense sulphurous smoke hid the two vessels. It was only at rare intervals that the cloud of powder smoke arose, and then the faces of the gunners showed how determined they were.
"When the British made ready to board the Yankee a new surprise awaited them.
"In the Constitution's tops were two small howitzers, and suddenly the topmen began to pour into the midst of the would-be boarders a perfect shower of grape and canister.
"A daring young middy in the tops seized a musket and aimed at the Java's captain.
"The brave officer fell to the deck dead, but Lieutenant Chads, although badly wounded, continued the fight, and every British tar seemed to fight with greater determination.
"The fight continued until the Java was a helpless wreck.
"Her flag was shot away, and only the Jack remained. This was hauled down, and the Java was added to the rich prizes of the war."
"I don't know much about the Java," said Hamilton.
"She is new to me, and I thought I was pretty well posted about the enemy," Tempest added.