Both captains were experienced officers, and both were backed up by crews of undaunted valor.
The men were brave and equally patriotic.
The Guerriere was fighting for British supremacy, the Constitution for American independence.
[CHAPTER XI.]
THE FIGHT AT SEA
"Ah! then
Could you have seen our men,
How they sprung
To their work of toil and clamor!
How the boarders, with sponge and rammer,
And their captains, with cord and hammer,
Kept every muzzle ablaze."
Each ship was waiting for the other to make the first move.
Both captains were cautious and anxious for victory.