On the Ocean 41 



played by the combatants in almost every other 

 struggle of the war. But it must be added that the 

 Epervier did worse than the Argus, and the Peacock 

 (American) better than the Pelican. The gunnery 

 of the Epervier was extraordinarily poor ; "the most 

 disgraceful part of the affair was that our ship was 

 cut to pieces and the enemy hardly scratched." 31 

 James states that after the first two or three broad 

 sides several carronades became unshipped, and that 

 the others were dismounted by the fire of the Pea 

 cock; that the men had not been exercised at the 

 guns; and, most important of all, that the crew 

 (which contained "several foreigners," but was 

 chiefly British; as the Argus' was chiefly American) 

 was disgracefully bad. The Peacock, on the con 

 trary, showed skilful seamanship as well as excellent 

 gunnery. In 45 minutes after the fight was over 

 the fore-yard had been sent down and fished, the 

 fore-sail set up, and everything in complete order 

 again ; 32 the prize was got in sailing order by dark, 

 though great exertions had to be made to prevent 

 her sinking. Mr. Nicholson, first of the Peacock, 

 was put in charge as prize-master. The next day 

 the two vessels were abreast of Amelia Island, when 

 two frigates were discovered in the north, to lee 

 ward. Capt. Warrington at once directed the prize 



31 "Memoirs of Admiral Codrington," i, 322. 

 38 Letter of Captain Warrington, April 29, 1814. 



