The asserted unpreparedness of the Alabama is about as truthful as the other representations, if we may take Captain Semmes' report, and certain facts, in rebutting evidence. The Captain writes to Mr. Mason, "I cannot deny myself the pleasure of saying that Mr. Kell, my First Lieutenant, deserves great credit for the fine condition the ship was in when she went into action;" but if Captain Semmes were right in the alleged want of preparation, he himself is alone to blame. He had ample time for protecting his vessel and crew in all possible manners; he, not the Kearsarge was the aggressor; and but for his forcing the fight, the Alabama might still be riding inside Cherbourg breakwater. Notwithstanding the horrible cause for which he is struggling, and the atrocious depredations he has committed upon helpless merchantmen, we can still admire the daring he evinced in sallying forth from a secure haven and gallantly attacking his opponent; but when he professes ignorance of the character of his antagonist, and unworthily attempts to disparage the victory of his foe, we forget all our first sympathies, and condemn the moral nature of the man, as he has forced us to do his judgment. Nor must it be forgotten that the Kearsarge has had fewer opportunities for repairs than the Alabama, and that she has been cruising around in all seas _for a much longer period than her antagonist_.[7] The Alabama, on the contrary, had lain for many days in Cherbourg, and she only steamed forth when her Captain supposed her to be in, at all events, as good a condition as the enemy. THE CHALLENGE. Finally, the challenge to fight was given by the Alabama to the Kearsarge, not by the Kearsarge to the Alabama. "The Career of the Alabama," above referred to makes the following romantic statement: "When he (Semmes) was challenged by the commander of the Kearsarge, everybody in Cherbourg, it appears, said it would be disgraceful if he refused the challenge, and this, coupled with his belief that the Kearsarge was not so strong as she really proved to be, made him agree to fight." (p. 41.) On the Tuesday after the battle, and before leaving London for Cherbourg, I was shown a telegram by a member of the House of Commons, forwarded to him that morning. The telegram was addressed to one of the gentleman's constituents by his son, a sailor on board the Alabama, and was dated "C. S. S. Alabama, Cherbourg, June 14th," the sender stating that they were about to engage the Kearsarge on the morrow, or next day. I have not a copy of this telegram, but "The Career of the Alabama" gives a letter to the like effect from the surgeon of the privateer, addressed to a gentleman of this city. The letter reads as follows: "CHERBOURG, _June 14, 1864_.