Sea Master?

During the war of 1812 America and Britain were at war with one another. The Constitution, which was an American warship, was captained by Isaac Hull. James Dacres was Captain of the British warship, Guerriere. They were both looking for battle when they met. The battle they engaged in would undeniably challenge British naval superiority.

Hull was searching for a British frigate when he noticed a challenge from Dacres. Dacres opened fire on the Constitution and when an 18 pound shot landed on the Constitution deck it was shot back at the Guerriere. When an unknown seaman stuck his head out of a porthole he loudly exclaimed, “Her sides are made of iron!”The USS Constitution waited until getting closer before returning fire.

           The Constitution began to return fire and while it was firing the Guerriere’s mizzenmast falls. An ensign dangling from the Constitution mast was seen by a boy who quickly climbed up among the rigging and made it secure so that it could only fall if the mast came down with it. As the Constitution fires Dacres bowsprit falls and there is an attempt to board Hulls ship. As the firing continues the Guerriere’s foremast falls pulling the mainmast down with it. After the loosing of the Guerriere’s masts there is little ship left for Dacres who surrenders.

      After the surrender of Dacres, Hull is very polite and when Dacres offers up his sword Hull replies, “I’ll not take a sword from one who knows so well how to use it. But I will thank you for that hat.’’ Hull’s crew assists the wounded off the Guerriere before burning her. After the Constitution gets back to Boston, Hull is grandly celebrated at Faneuil hall.

When the British hear about the defeat of Dacres they’re shocked and notably disbelieve it but the Americans on the other hand are shocked and thrilled. The crew’s story about the cannonballs ends up earning the Constitution the nickname “Old Ironsides”. For the first time the British Navy had been defeated in battle, challenging their title as Master of the Seas.