OLD SALEM TOWN 157 



near the coast that a hundred thousand Spaniards 

 made the hills black with spectators. The dis- 

 parity in size of the two vessels was such that an 

 eyewitness said it was like a ship's long boat at- 

 tacking a man-o'-war. But the little boat won the 

 battle, and not only the big frigate but the recap- 

 tured prize struck to the indomitable Salem captain 

 and his fearless Salem crew. The battle was no 

 sooner over than the sea was black with the boats 

 of admiring Spaniards who came out in great 

 numbers and later took Captain Harraden ashore 

 and carried him about the city on their shoulders. 

 Report does not state whether the captain enjoyed 

 the ride, but at least he must have been proud of 

 the admiration which called it forth. Sailing 

 again after the battle with the Achilles, Har- 

 raden met three British ships of the size of his and 

 captured the three of them, one after another. In 

 all during the Revolution this one Salem captain 

 took from the British more than a thousand guns 

 and sent home great wealth in prizes taken from 

 the far stronger sailor nation with which his 

 country, one might almost have said his town, was 

 at war. 



