The accident caused a cessation of the firing for a time, and the Belvidera took advantage of it to show her heels.
"Follow her! Rake her with shot and shell!" shouted the wounded commodore. "Don't let her escape!"
But the Britisher had lightened herself.
Her anchors and boats were cut away and fourteen tons of water were thrown overboard.
Thus lightened, she began to draw away from the President.
The latter yawed several times, and let fly full broadsides at the escaping cruiser.
The shot rattled among the spars of the Belvidera, but the nimble topmen quickly repaired all damages; and the British ship increased the distance between herself and the American fleet.
The Lively Bee followed at a safe distance.
"What do you think now, Tempest?" asked Captain Vernon.