Early in the action, the British sloop, Finch, fell into
MacDonough's trap and grounded on the reef.
The British commander was killed, with many of his officers.
Still, the heavy fire of the guns would have given them the
victory, but for MacDonough's foresight in providing for swinging
his ships. When one broadside was entirely out of action, he used
his cables, kedges and springs, and brought the other batteries
to bear.
It was one of the most desperate naval fights the world has ever
seen. Of the three hundred men on the British flag- ship not more
than five, we are told, escaped uninjured; and at the close there
was not left on any one of the eight vessels a mast that could
carry sail, or a sail that could render service. In less than two
hours and a half the fight was won, and the British fleet
destroyed.
To the God of Battles each had committed his cause: and the God
of Battles had spoken.
Far away to the southward in the boats were the Vermont troops
with their general and Rolf in the foremost. Every sign of the
fight they had watched as men whose country's fate is being tried.
It was a quarter after eleven when the thunder died away; and the
Vermonters were headed on shore, for a hasty landing, if need be,
when down from the peak of the British flag-ship went the Union
Jack, and the Stars and Stripes was hauled to take its place.
Pages:
430
431
432
433
434
435
436
437
438
439
440
441
442
443
444
445
446
447
448
449
450
451
452
453
454