The dash of Lieut. Isaac Hull, when he cut the valuable privateer Sandwich out of Puerto Plato, was characteristic of the man who distinguished himself in later years. The privateer was lying in position to rake anything entering port, and she was protected by a good shore battery. But filling the Yankee sloop Sally with seamen and marines from the Constitution (Hull was then her first lieutenant), he entered the harbor at night, sent the marines ashore, where they spiked the fort guns, while he with his sailors boarded and carried the privateer and sailed her out of port and sent her home. But though a brave, it proved to have been an illegal capture, and full restitution was made to the owners.
The adventures of the twelve-gun schooner Enterprise, Lieutenant Shaw—notably that when she fought the letter of marque Seine that would not surrender until twenty-four had been killed and disabled out of a crew of fifty-four—were of the most stirring character. In six months she captured eight Frenchmen and recaptured four American ships the French had taken. The Experiment, Lieut. William Maley, was handled in like fashion. Both vessels often met and whipped superior forces, but space is lacking to give the story of their deeds.
This high-seas war with France began on May 28, 1798. It came to an end when, on February 3, 1801, a treaty of peace was ratified by the American Senate. Nearly three years had passed away. By it peace was assured for the future, and as for the past, all government vessels captured on either side were to be restored. By this provision the Americans returned the Berceau, the Vengeance, and a smaller cruiser. The Insurgent was lost at sea. Seventy-six French ships, in addition, such as privateers and armed merchantmen, carrying together 500 guns, had been captured, and these were retained. No American warship was captured by the French except the Retaliation, which was originally taken from them.
“The Sally Attacked by a Sea-Serpent off the Shore of Long Island.”
From a French engraving.
The patriotic American does not care to dwell on this trouble with a people that had rendered such great aid when the nation was struggling for life against the oppressor. The significant features of such conflicts as took place were found in the efficiency and good discipline of the crews of the American ships and the development of an esprit de corps unknown during the Revolution. The pride and dignity of the new nation were stirring the blood of its naval seamen.
A French Cutter of 16 Guns.
From an engraving by Merlo.