While all these preparations were being made on the Constitution, the crew of the Guerriere were not resting quietly.
So many mean things have had to be recorded against England in its struggles that it is pleasant to be able to say a good word for Captain Dacres, of the British ship Guerriere, thirty-eight guns.
He had on board a Marblehead sailor, Captain William Orne, who had been captured some days before.
"Orne, tell me," said the captain of the man-of-war, when the American was first sighted, "what think you of yon ship?"
"An American frigate, sir."
"Do you think so? It seems to me she is too bold."
"No, sir. No American can be anything else but bold in this contest," replied Orne.
"I am glad you stick up for your country."
"I am right, sir; the vessel is armed."