Lieutenant Crane, who had command of her when taken by the English, and who saw the whole chase, speaks of the wonder and astonishment of the British officers at the handling of the _Constitution_. They expected to see Hull throw overboard his guns and anchors and stave his boats. This they did themselves in a measure, as they cut adrift many of their cutters--and spent some time afterwards in picking them up--by the same token. Nothing had been done to lighten the _Constitution_ but to start the water-casks, as before mentioned. So sure were the English of making a capture that Captain Broke had appointed a prize crew from his vessel, the _Shannon_, and had claimed the honor of sailing the _Constitution_ into Halifax; but, as a contemporary states, “The gallant gentleman counted his chickens before they were hatched”--a saying trite but true. To quote from the _Shannon’s_ log, under the entry of July 18th, will be of interest: “At dawn” (so it runs) “an American frigate within four miles of the squadron. Had a most fatiguing and anxious chase; both towing and kedging, as opportunity offered. American exchanged a few shots with _Belvidera_--carried near enemy by partial breeze. Cut our boats adrift, but all in vain; the _Constitution_ sailed well and escaped.” It is recorded in English annals that there were some very sharp recriminations and explanations held in the _Shannon’s_ cabin. Perhaps Captain Hull would have enjoyed being present; but by this time he was headed northward. He ran into Boston harbor for water on the following Sunday. Broke’s squadron separated, hoping to find the _Constitution_ on some future day and force her to action. In this desire Captain Dacres of the _Guerrière_ was successful--so far as the finding was concerned; but the well-known result started American hearts to beating high and cast a gloom over the Parliament of England. The ovations and praises bestowed upon the American commander upon his arrival at Boston induced him to insert the following card on the books of the Exchange Coffee-House: “Captain Hull, finding that his friends in Boston are correctly informed of his situation when chased by the British squadron off New York, and that they are good enough to give him more credit for having escaped it than he ought to claim, takes this opportunity of requesting them to transfer their good wishes to Lieutenant Morris and the other brave officers, and the crew under his command, for their very great exertions and prompt attention to his orders while the enemy were in chase. Captain Hull has great pleasure in saying that, notwithstanding the length of the chase, and the officers and crew being deprived of sleep, and allowed but little refreshment during the time, not a murmur was heard to escape them.”