Graham's Magazine, Vol. XXI, No. 5, November 1842Various
General
Graham's Magazine, Vol. XXI, No. 5, November 1842
Various
Literature -- Periodicals; Literature, Modern -- 19th century -- Periodicals
In addition to the officers and seamen who were in the Java, as
passengers, were Lieutenant-General Hislop and his staff, the former of
whom was going to Bombay as governor. Bainbridge treated these captives
with great liberality and kindness, and, after destroying his prize for
want of means to refit her, he landed all his prisoners, on parole, at
St. Salvador.
In this action the Constitution had nine men killed and twenty-five men
wounded. She was a good deal cut up in the rigging, and had a few spars
injured, but, considering the vigor of the engagement and the smoothness
of the water, she escaped with but little injury. There is no doubt that
she was a heavier ship than her adversary, but the difference in the
batteries was less than appeared by the nominal calibres of the guns;
the American shot, in that war, being generally of light weight, while
those of the Java, by some accounts, were French.
It has been said that Bainbridge disregarded his own wounds until the
irritation endangered his life. His last injury must have been received
about half past two, and he remained actively engaged on deck until 11
o’clock at night; thus adding the irritation of eight hours of exertion
to the original injuries. The consequences were some exceedingly
threatening symptoms, but skilful treatment subdued them, when his
recovery was rapid.
An interesting interview took place between Bainbridge and Lambert, on
the quarter-deck of the Constitution, after the arrival of the ship at
St. Salvador. The English captain was in his cot, and Bainbridge
approached, supported by two of his own officers, to take his leave, and
to restore the dying man his sword. This interview has been described as
touching, and as leaving kind feelings between the parting officers.
Poor Lambert, an officer of great merit, died a day or two afterwards.
The Constitution now returned home for repairs, being very rotten. She
reached Boston February 27, 1813, after a cruise of only four months and
one day. Bainbridge returned in triumph, this time, and, if his
countrymen had previously manifested a generous sympathy in his
misfortunes, they now showed as strong a feeling in his success. The
victor was not more esteemed for his courage and skill, than for the
high and chivalrous courtesy and liberality with which he had treated
his prisoners.
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