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Old Ironsides: Dacres

Years before this, Dacres and Hull had been talking about a possible battle between their frigates. "If we ever meet in combat, I wager a fine hat I will make you surrender," said Dacres to Hull. "Agreed," was the laughing reply of Captain Hull. "I expect to win that hat some day."

In August, about seven hundred miles from Boston, the two vessels met. The Constitution and the Guerrière were the finest frigates in the world, their Commanders equally brave, their men equally matched. It was a question of ship management and gun power.

The British frigate flung out a flag of defiance from each topmast. Her guns began to roar, but the balls fell short of the Constitution. "Don't fire until I give the word. Let the two vessels draw near together before we open. Keep steady and ready, and never mind their guns," said Hull to his men.

The The two ships drifted nearer and nearer. enemy's broadsides tore through the rigging of the Constitution. One of the enemy's balls struck the side of the vessel, and fell into the sea. sailor, looking overboard, said, A "See the balls falling away from her. She's an old ironside, sir, an old ironside."

From that time on, the Constitution was called "Old Ironsides."

The two vessels came fairly abreast, near enough for the men to see each other, and for good pistol shot. "Ready, men, do your full duty and fire," shouted Hull.

Broadside after broadside was poured into the Guerrière. First her mizzen mast fell, then her foremast was cut down, then her rigging and flag; she was soon a helpless hulk in the water.

Dacres surrendered, and came on board the Constitution to deliver his sword to his old friend. But Hull smilingly said, "No, Dacres, you can keep the sword, for you are too brave a man to be without one. I want that hat you and I wagered some years ago."

When "Old Ironsides" sailed into Boston on the last day of August, you may well believe the people shouted themselves hoarse, and waved flags, and hung out bunting, and gave grand dinners in honor of this great naval victory.